Here I am in San Francisco and what do I discover? Just a couple of blocks from the hotel is one of the two last Liberty ships still in working condition!

I toured the S.S. Jeremiah O'Brien this morning and spent over two hours in the engine room. They were getting things shipshape for a cruise next week. I was there when the lit off the boilers and bought up a head of steam. I was in Seventh Heaven. The hell with the 70 virgins, give me something powered by steam!

Anyway, I was talking at length with the Chief in the boiler room and he asked what I was doing in San Francisco. I told him I was here with ASME and that my background was as a welder.

"Really? You're a welder, a certified welder?"

"Yup, a living breathing, circumcised welder, oops, certified welder!"

"We just lost our welder to old age. The poor fellow couldn't see any more. We need someone that can weld to help us keep this old timer afloat!" he said. "Are you interested in volunteering? The entire crew are volunteers, but we don't have anyone that can weld!"

I explained that as much as I would love to offer my services, it is too far to travel from Connecticut to San Francisco to do a little welding.

"If you know anyone in the San Francisco area that might be interested, send him to us!" he said.

So, all you wannabe seadogs! Here is an opportunity to put your skills to work and do something really worthwhile. If you live within a 101 miles of San Francisco, these fellows could really use your skills and knowledge to keep this mechanical marvel in working seaworthy condition. I wish I did live close enough to be part of this effort. I told him I would be happy to do what I could for documentation, paperwork, etc., but 8 hours of flight time is too far to work on weekends.

www.ssjeremiahobrien.org - they would love to hear from you!

Best regards -Al