WWII Liberty Ship: SS Jeremiah O'Brien w/Todd Lappin (BBtv)

BBtv guest correspondent and blog pal Todd Lappin of Telstar Logistics takes us inside a steam-powered World War II "Liberty Ship," the SS Jeremiah O'Brien.

We marvel (!) at the cool old retro-technology that kept this behemoth boat running to and from the beaches of Normandy, and we meet the volunteer caretakers -- obsessive nerds just like us, only with white hair! -- who keep her ship-shape today. Did you know that shipyards in the San Francisco Bay Area once churned out Liberty Ships like this in 4 days or less, during the heat of the war? Watch and learn, li'l skippers.

BBTV Online: http://tv.boingboing.net

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[granddad2002]

The construction schedule was amazing. But I never knew that these log packs were steam powered? Would love to see the engine build and emplacement?

[scottadunn1]

I stayed fifteen day's in dry dock in that cabin when Sep 11 happened I am a volunteer on board. I have spent many hours on board and it is an amazing ship . Check out my pics on panorama on google at pear 45. I have not bin on board as much as I would as I have moved to Lake Co.

[kimshee08]

My Dad served as a volunteer and was fortunate to make the cruise to Normandy. It was one of the highlights of his life. Fair sailing Dad, I will miss you.

[Phil1796]

can some plz tell me what a liberty ship is its quite new to me iv only found out about the ship becuse i got a model of this ship

[nerblebun]

I've been aboard the O'Brian many times. I hooked up the shore power whenever it visited the Port of Sacramento.The entire crew are volunteers and a bunch of great guys. What an outstanding job they've done maintaining the ship and it's colorful history.If you ever get the chance,please don't miss the opportunity to tour the ship and meet the crew.They will be happy to answer any questions about this floating memorial.

[maxsmodels]

i toured it the other day. great experience and wonderful volunteers.

[gibby660]

Be careful Pooky and Brian!!!

[owlabye]

This is a great video, I always wanted to see a liberty ship up close, I was around 8 or 9 during the second world war, I remember a lot of things about how things were on the home front. Like rationing, scrap drives, war bond drives and so forth. The star flags in the windows and many things. The Movies, which are still around. Movie Tone news which is on You Tube. Thanks great job.