When I came to Europe for the very first time as a Coast Guard Cadet on the USCGC EAGLE, we had many port calls where big important visitors came on-board.
As I scrubbed the deck I thought about how one day I wanted to be one of those visitors!
Well...I finally got my wish! The EAGLE came to Antwerp and I was on the lucky group that got to l ride her in to port. They had tied up at the far end of the port the night before and we got to transit in through the giant port of Antwerp. (2nd largest in Europe I believe) Greg also got to go along!
One thing that was neat to see was the wall of plaques that showed all the trips the EAGLE has taken each year...here is mine...
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| I was on for the Azores, England, France and Portugal |
They had to bring the ship in through a super small opening, which is why they had two tugs bringing it up. It is pretty amazing it could fit! The striking building on the left is the Diamond Building in Antwerp.
As we passed through I was standing next to two cadets and they were discussing if they could make the jump to shore from the ship...it really was close! The Captain was on the bridge with the pilot the entire time!
The next morning we took a whole van load up to tour the EAGLE. We had two special visitors, Anya whose Grandfather also sailed on the EAGLE, and our friend Jay who was visiting from Wakefield, MA. We also had my friend's son, he is interested in the Naval Academy so we were doing our best to convince him to consider CGA!
Our friend is the Captain of the ship (in the center behind Charlie). He took us on our own private tour. He has been on it for many years and knows all of the amazing history.
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For example, this is the original Ships Nameplate with the German name of the vessel. It was currently down in the sail locker.
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Charlie in the sail locker...I remember people going down to the sail locker to sneak a nap in!
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| Charlie saw the firefighting equipment and said, "Jet Pack"! |
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| On the bow! |
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| The brass on the bell has been polished so much the EAGLE writing is almost illegible! |
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| One final picture of the gang before we headed home out of the rainy Belgian weather. |
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Charlie remembered bug juice from his visit when he was about 4...here he is having a long awaited glass. Katie and Anya appreciated the sign on it that said "Walmart yodeling kid juice"
Happy to once again have "sailed" on the EAGLE & great to have friends in high places-thanks Captain Meilstrup for an awesome tour!!
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