Post by alaskanmohican on Feb 27, 2011 3:48:56 GMT -8
I wasn't sure where else to put this. I thought some people here might be interested in the Columbia Lightship currently permanetly moored in Astoria, Oregon.
This light ship was anchored off the coast of Washington and Oregon from 1951 to 1979. The lightships were anchored to guide other ships across the Columbia River Bar, a dangerous area for ships trying to enter the mouth of the Columbia River.
When the Columbia was decommisioned in 1979 she was replaced by an automated buoy.
Columbia had an 18 man crew on two to four week rotations on the ship. She had 10 crew on duty at all times.
A few other facts before I post the photos of her, she has a sister ship named Relief which is currently part of a maritime museum down in Oakland, CA. The Columbia is part of the Maritime Museum in Astoria.
The crew of the Columbia would remain on her through all weather including the fierce storms and waves associated with the Columbia River Bar.
Here are some photos of her at Astoria.
The messdeck.
The galley.
The Officer's Quarters, there was only one officer on the ship, a Warrant Officer who served as Captain. The rest of the crew were all enlisted men.
Some of the crews bunks.
The funnel. I rather like the old buff colored funnels, reminds me of some the old steamship funnels.
The mushroom anchor at the bow.
I find the light ships and lighthouses in general to be of interest. Especially when you consider the lifestyles these people had to endure to perform thier duties.
This light ship was anchored off the coast of Washington and Oregon from 1951 to 1979. The lightships were anchored to guide other ships across the Columbia River Bar, a dangerous area for ships trying to enter the mouth of the Columbia River.
When the Columbia was decommisioned in 1979 she was replaced by an automated buoy.
Columbia had an 18 man crew on two to four week rotations on the ship. She had 10 crew on duty at all times.
A few other facts before I post the photos of her, she has a sister ship named Relief which is currently part of a maritime museum down in Oakland, CA. The Columbia is part of the Maritime Museum in Astoria.
The crew of the Columbia would remain on her through all weather including the fierce storms and waves associated with the Columbia River Bar.
Here are some photos of her at Astoria.
The messdeck.
The galley.
The Officer's Quarters, there was only one officer on the ship, a Warrant Officer who served as Captain. The rest of the crew were all enlisted men.
Some of the crews bunks.
The funnel. I rather like the old buff colored funnels, reminds me of some the old steamship funnels.
The mushroom anchor at the bow.
I find the light ships and lighthouses in general to be of interest. Especially when you consider the lifestyles these people had to endure to perform thier duties.