Ron J
Active member
[attachment 70667 WarehamNantuckert2048.jpg] [attachment 70666 WarehamNantuckert2034.jpg]I have neglected to mention,what a Lightships duties were! First they were put into service as far back as the 1800's. Where there were major sea lanes, with dangerous rocks,or shoals, it was the duty of a Lightship, to be placed close to the danger,and be secured in one spot,marking the way for safe passage for countless ships,and millions of people,immigrating to this country. These vessels had beacons,actually floating lighthouse's! The vessel,and her crew were in constant danger themselves,specially in fog! They were supplied with foghorns,but that didn't mean,it could be heard! More than one Lightship went down,being rammed, or going down in a hurricane,or squall. Imagine climbing one of those masts,prior to electricity,to keep oil lamps burning,during a storm? Brave souls! Remember, Radar only exists since the forties! The only "radar" prior to its existence,was a look out on a tower/mast,or in the pilot house,with his own eyes,and ears,watching with Binoculars,or Telescope! Here are close-ups of her lights...[attachment 70663 WarehamNantuckert2041.jpg] [attachment 70664 WarehamNantuckert2044.jpg] [attachment 70665 WarehamNantuckert2045.jpg] Figured i would throw this photo in also...Its the opening in the Storm Gates, I wrote about this awhile back,about New Bedford, looks like a dam. Hope they never need to use it! The Nantucket I was originally sent to San Francisco in 1951,and was named " BLUNT REEF" for duty there.Next in 1971,back through the Panama Canal,to a new station,in Maine,where she would now become "PORTLAND" till 1975. Then in 1975,was transferred to Massachusetts,and acquired here current name,retiring as a Lightship, in 1983. She was then painted white,and sent to the Caribbean serving as a refueling platform for the Coast Guard,for about a year. Next she was sent to Kennebunk Maine,to serve as a Sentry ship,for then "Vice-President" George Bush,at his Summer Home. This "Summer" home is still guarded by the Secret Service today! Its a large peninsula, with quite a compound of dwellings. Retired President Bush still resides there,and keeps his large forty something foot, Blue, Fountain speed boat, with "Fidelity Two" in large gold letters on each side of the hull, with the Presidential Seal. George (Senior) has always kept a "go-fast" boat moored at that location. You can see it all,from the road,along the Seashore.Its quite a sight! More to come.... Rj
