Follow the path to the left and stop near the picnic benches.
During a 4-month intensive course at the U.S. Maritime Training Station, all officer candidates studied fire fighting, first aid, rescue, and small boat handling. There was once a boat dock where the rock jetty juts out into the Bay, with a classic “L” shape.
The two-story building behind you is called the Glory of the Seas. Deck officers learned to use flag signals on the upper roof and navigate on the curved “flying bridge” on the second floor. Does it look like a ship to you? It is now the park operations headquarters.
A large concrete block (to your right if you are facing the trail post) was used during the war as an anchor for dirigibles (barrage balloons). It was also a base for the crane used to practice loading and unloading cargo.
The current Visitor Center was the U.S. Maritime Service Officer’s School “Red Cross Hall” for medical and dental needs.
What was the course of study at the U.S. Maritime Training Station?
Deck officer candidates: navigation techniques, codes, signals, weather, physics, and nautical skills such as knot tying and how to handle cargo.
Engineering candidates: engineering, math, physics, drafting, ship engines, and electrical and refrigeration systems.
Watch a film and learn more about the Officer Training Program
Page 6 >>