We are scheduled for a bay cruise on the Jeremiah O'Brian July 24 and would appreciate any comments, suggestions or recommendations regarding weather, etc. In 1944 when we transported 350 soldiers from New Guinea to the Philippines there wasn't much room left - so we are concerned how the possible 600+ passengers will be accomodated during the all day cruise. Thanks for any help. Should you like to comment by E-mail, please do so. ticktack26@sbcglobal.net
I can't speak first-hand to the experience aboard JEREMIAH O'BRIEN but I am a volunteer crewman aboard Liberty ship JOHN W. BROWN in Baltimore, which regularly makes day trips on Chesapeake Bay. When our cruises sell out, as they frequently do, we carry a maximum of 730 passengers. Adding crew, caterers, entertainers, press, staff and other assorted hangers-on, we are authorized to have as many as 900 souls on board. I understand JEREMIAH O'BRIEN is authorized for a similar number.
With a full passenger load, the ship is noticeably crowded on the main and tween decks and in the house, and movement about the ship takes patience and good humor. (We crewman often note that the ship seems deserted on the occasions that we have "only" 400 passengers.) But I have never heard a passenger complain it was so crowded as to detract from the experience although I'm sure some may have thought that. People are eager to enjoy the unique adventure they are having and are willing to put up with some inconvenience for six hours. Many people seem to stake out a certain place on deck and largely stay put for the day, making brief forays to tour the ship, obtain meals and drinks or whatever, then returning to their favored place. The worst situation would be a full passenger load and a cold, windy, rainy day, in which case everyone tries to crowd below deck, and that can be very uncomfortable. In that case I would head to my rack and snooze but passengers don't have that option. Knock on wood, we have rarely experienced that combination.
Summers in Baltimore can be cruelly hot and humid and we never cruise in July and August. By contrast, the weather on San Francisco Bay ought to be cooler and more pleasant in July than is true on the Chesapeake. (A little research: average high temperature in San Francisco in July: 68 degrees. In Baltimore: 91. Oh, lordy, am I on the wrong ship!) Being on the open waters of San Francisco Bay, especially if it is windy, may make it quite cool so dress in layers. Rain is unlikely in San Francisco in July, I understand, but if it is forecast, be prepared.
Here are some other do's and don'ts we advise our passengers:
* What do I need to bring?
That depends in part on the weather. If it's cool, bring a jacket. If it's warm, bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. If rain is forecast, dress accordingly; inclement weather won't stop us from sailing, except in extreme conditions. Although we do have chairs available, you may also want to bring your own folding chair. Don't forget your binoculars and camera. And your tickets!
* What do I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing and flat, closed-toe shoes are a good idea.
* What shouldn't I wear?
Avoid white or light-colored clothing; this is an operational World War II-era ship and Project Liberty Ship cannot be responsible for smudges or stains. For your safety, heels, clogs, flip-flops and sandals are not permitted.
If my experiences are any guide, you are in for a grand time. Enjoy.
Ron Carlson, Webmaster Armed Guard / Merchant Marine website www.armed-guard.com
I appreciate the response given from all you guys. Ron, your information answered a lot of questions, and your suggestions and tips make us much more prepared for a greatly anticipated trip (which is a Father's Day gift from our son). The weather is a constant concern, and although I spent many days in the San Francisco area, it has been so long I no longer remember - and being 19 years old, could not have cared less.
Thanks again, Ron, for the time you spent on this response, and also for all that you do maintaining the website.
And to all you Dads, I wish you a Happy Father's Day.
We took 550 Infantrymen from Norfolk to Italy with no "problems". It wasn't a "comfortable" trip for them I'm sure. Later we picked up 950 British Infantry in Corsica and took them to France. Again, an uncomfortable ride. However, we faced MANY "UNCOMFORTABLE" SITUATIONS DURING THE WAR! Once we took about 500 French Senagalese troops from Algiers to France. These kind of trips were not uncommon in the European Theater. I didn't think they were in the Pacific Theater either. We were in the Pacific but didn't haul troops. Roy Brown
No matter the number of people on board, taking a one-day cruise on a Liberty is in no way comparable to spending weeks crammed into one of these things along with hundreds of troops and their gear. The Liberty simply wasn't designed or built to haul great numbers of people over great distances. They were for the most part no-frills freighters. I served on one, the Alexander Martin, and we carried troops to the Med and brought POWS back to Norfolk with us. I dan't recall being comfortable on either voyage.
