Pensacola Navy League to Welcome America’s Tall Ship – USCGC Barque Eagle to The Port of Pensacola June 2-5
The Pensacola Navy League proudly announces the arrival of America’s Tall Ship, the USCGC Barque Eagle. The ship will moor downtown Pensacola at Plaza De Luna from June 2-5, 2022. This will coincide with and allow Eagle to participate in the beginning of Fiesta Pensacola festivities. The visit will include free public ship tours to which the community is welcome.
The Eagle is the seventh U.S. Coast Guard cutter to bear the name in a proud line dating back to one of the original Revenue Cutters built in 1792. The square-rigged barque was built by the Blohm and Voss Shipyard in Hamburg, Germany, and originally commissioned as Horst Wessel in 1936. The steel-hulled ship was taken as a war reparation after World War II, and a U.S. Coast Guard crew – aided by the German crew still on board – sailed the tall ship from Bremerhaven to New London.
To maneuver Eagle under sail, the crew must handle more than 22,000 square feet of sail and five miles of rigging. Built during the twilight era of sail, the design and construction of Eagle embody centuries of development in the shipbuilder’s art. A permanent crew of eight officers and 50 enlisted personnel maintain the ship year-round and provide a strong base of knowledge and seamanship for the training of up to 150 cadets or officer candidates at a time, gaining experience in leadership and teamwork for the furtherment of their careers.
“As the official visit host representing the City, the entire Council of the Pensacola Navy League is absolutely thrilled to welcome Captain Michael Turdo, Commanding Officer of the USCGC Barque Eagle, his officers and crew to Pensacola,” comments Mark Curley, President of the Pensacola Navy League. “For their visit support, a big thank you to Seville Quarter, Fiesta Pensacola, the Blue Wahoos, Pensacola Yacht Club, the National Naval Aviation Museum, several local businesses, and the efforts of Dan McCort, Pensacola Navy League Past President who is coordinating the visit. Many exciting events and activities have been planned for the Eagle Officers and Crew during their port visit to Pensacola. The goal is for the Crew to enjoy Pensacola while engaging with our community and learning more about our great city, as we learn more about the Coast Guard mission.”
Schedule of Ship Events:
The schedule of events below is subject to change pending weather and other conditions. Updates will be posted on the Pensacola Navy League website at pensacolanavyleague.org.
Thursday, June 2
Eagle arrives Plaza De Luna at 10 a.m.
10 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Welcome events
Public Tour Schedule (Note: Visitors must be able to climb stairs):
Thursday, June 2: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday, June 3: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. (10-11 a.m. for military and first responders)
Saturday, June 4: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (10-11 a.m. for military and first responders)
Sunday, June 5
Ship Departure from Plaza De Luna – Farewell at 10 a.m. No public tours.
To learn more about the USCGC Barque Eagle Visit and Public Tours, visit pensacolanavyleague@pensacolanavyleague.org
