Sail 250 stops in New Orleans for weekend of tall ships and military vessels
NEW ORLEANS — Ship horns and ceremonial salutes echoed along the New Orleans waterfront this week as the city marked the first stop of Sail 250, a nationwide celebration celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Tall ships and military vessels from around the world docked along the Mississippi River as part of the months-long maritime celebration, offering the public a rare opportunity to see the inside of the ships open to visitors.
Among them is the USCGC Eagle. Known as “America’s Tall Ship,” it is a 295-foot training ship and the only active ship in service with the U.S. government.
Stepping into Eagle feels like stepping back in time.
With 23 sails, six miles of rigging and about 150 Coast Guard trainees on board, life aboard the ship still goes the old-fashioned way. Students climb high masts, hand-operate ropes and train high above the deck while learning the basics of sailing.
A member of the USCGC Eagle crew works on the ship’s rigging during Sail 250 in New Orleans, demonstrating the seamanship skills taught on the historic training ship. (FOX)
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Below deck is another reminder of America’s history: the newspaper printing of the Declaration of Independence.
“The best technology at the time was the broadside of the newspaper, which was a single printed page,” said historical documents expert Seth Kaller. “It had to be the text of the Declaration of Independence for people to hear it, for people to read it. And that’s how someone in 1776 could experience the Declaration of Independence.”
The Eagle serves as a training ground for future Coast Guard members, teaching leadership, teamwork and technical seamanship skills.
“And for 80 years since 1946, this ship has sailed with future officers of the United States Coast Guard,” said Capt. Christopher Ensley, commanding officer of the USCGC Eagle. “To teach leadership, teamwork, technical skills like seamanship and navigation, and frankly to get them salty, ready for service at sea.”
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This training eventually leads to ships like the USCGC Mohawk, where Coast Guard crews perform a variety of modern missions, from immigration interdiction to anti-drug operations.
“We have two small boats on board that we use pretty much on a daily basis and help us do all of our tasks that we couldn’t accomplish with just a larger boat,” said Lt. Riley Thorburn aboard the Mohawk.
But Sail 250 doesn’t just showcase history. It also highlights modern military life at sea.
anchored nearby USS Kearsargean amphibious assault ship that houses approximately 3,000 sailors and Marines, including approximately 1,250 sailors and 1,800 Marines during deployment. Inside, the ship operates like a floating city, where pilots, flight crews, cooks, doctors and firefighters deployed around the world work around the clock.
“Every sailor is a firefighter to some degree,” said Damage Control Officer Allison Anutta during a firefighting demonstration aboard the Kearsarge.
Sailors wear firefighting equipment during a damage control demonstration with FOX aboard the USS Kearsarge. (FOX)
Fox News meets sailors and sailors during the ship’s voyage to New Orleans to get a first-hand look at daily life, including donning firefighting gear used during emergency response drills.
The ship’s firefighting capability is part of a broader mission set that goes well beyond combat operations. Kearsarge can be configured to carry approximately eight F-35 aircraft, depending on mission requirements, and supports a wide range of deployments from humanitarian response to combat readiness.
The ship also has a Fleet Surgical Team of 39 people responsible for the stabilization and treatment of patients at sea.
“We are a microcosm of the American population,” the commander said. Timothy Brooks, senior medical officer on board. “All the chronic health issues that occur in America exist here as well… and so we do everything we can to keep our overall health in good shape.”
Other crew members described the versatility and pride of their roles.
“We rescue, protect and deliver instantly anywhere in the world,” said Bryan Morch, Naval Aircrewman.
The arrival in New Orleans also featured ceremonial moments, such as a 21-gun salute during the flotilla and the sound of ship horns echoing along the Mississippi River, marking the beginning of the national celebration.
It is based on duty, service and sacrifice for the sailors on board.
“Greater love has no one than he who lays down his life for a friend,” said U.S. Marine Grace Shneider, quoting the Bible book of John. “This is what comes to mind when I think of the military.”
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, crew members said they see their work as part of a continuing legacy of service and history.
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An HSC-26 helicopter is seen on the flight deck of the USS Kearsarge, docked in New Orleans for the amphibious assault ship Sail 250. (FOX)
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“Anyone who wants to raise his right hand to serve his country…cannot help but appreciate the history of great things that have come before,” Commander. Brooks said.
The Sail 250 fleet will continue its journey up the East Coast with upcoming stops in Norfolk, Baltimore, New York and Boston as celebrations continue across the country.
