U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Floating Plant & Dredging Fleet Personnel

us army corps engineers floating plant. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has traditionally operated a wide variety of watercraft in support of the water resources and infrastructure under its purview. These vessels are found in the major waterways of the United States and its territories – once including the Panama Canal Zone when it […]

Shipboard Organization and Stewards

united states lines.The opening chapter of the fifth edition of The Blue Jacket’s Manual United States Navy (1917), devotes some 28 pages on the subject of “Discipline and Duty.” Afterward, the first section of the book meanders into opportunities of specialization, courts-martial, and customs. Only in the second and third sections are seamanship topics covered. […]

American President Lines wool hat badge

merican president lines   American President Lines wool hat badge Gemsco hallmark on flag. Wool backing and wreath of gold bullion thread. House flag, enamel with gold fill. Second World War era. badge: 70mm x 50mm flag: 25mm x 22mm   As noted in a previous post, shipping companies’ ships were appropriated for the duration […]

S/T Ocean Eagle

In case you’re curious about the header image, that is the Liberian Tanker Ocean Eagle sinking in the harbor off of San Juan, Puerto Rico on 3 March 1968. NOAA Report Office of Naval Research Oceanic Biology Program Report The accident was devastating to local ecosystems as it was the most severe oil spill experienced […]

Massachussetts Maritime Academy

mma cadet hat badge. The late 1800s saw a flurry of state nautical school openings with funds provided by U.S. Congress. One of them, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy began its life as the Massachusetts Nautical Training School in 1891. In 1913, along with training vessel and curriculum changes, its the name changed to the Massachusetts […]

British Petroleum Shipping Co.

British Petroleum Shipping Co. Officer hat badgeMetal, gold wire and colored thread on wool backing.Circa 1960s. With contemporary events unfolding regarding the catastrophe in the Gulf, it is worth pausing for a moment to think about transport of petroleum products. One of the safest, economical and most expedient methods to transport liquid petroleum and its […]

British Tanker Co.

British Tanker Co.Officer hat badgeMetal, gold wire, silk and colored thread on wool backing.Circa 1940s. Lately there has been an increased number of television commercials urging tourists to flock to vacations on the Gulf Coast – all of which are sponsored by British Petroleum. This brings to mind that last year I presented a British […]

Robin Line

Robin Line ship officer hat badge.Three piece construction.Eagle and shield sterling; wreath brass/gold-plate. Company insigne brass and enamel. Late Second World War era.badge: 60mm x 65mm On the second page of the March 17, 1954 edition of the Wilton Connecticut Bulletin there is long column about a GOP Sunday Tea. The Bulletin reports that the […]

U.S. Naval Reserve Insignia

U.S. Naval Merchant Marine Reserve insignia. Single construction. Eagle stamped brass with gold-plate. 1939-1940. badge: 2-3/4in from tip to tip of wings.   In October 1942, a curious chain of memoranda was passed between the New York State Maritime Academy Superintendent and various U.S. Navy officials. Prompted by Kings Point cadet uniforms having sewn on […]