The S.S. Jeremiah O’Brien  a national historic landmark berthed at San Francisco’s Pier 45, was built in a blisteringly fast 52 days the O’Brien was launched in South Portland, Maine on June 19, 1943 – one of more than 2700 “Liberty Ships” built to provide vital supplies to the Allies during WWII. Now, she welcomes visitors aboard as one of the last survivors of that Herculean war effort. To mark the occasion, San Francisco’s fireboat, Phoenix, will join with other area ships including the amphibious WWII-era “ducks” of Bay Quackers in a noon-time “Parade of Ships” along the waterfront of San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Also, from 9am – 5pm, admission will be free as the public is invited onboard to tour the historic vessel, including the engine room (which will be operating that day in dock-side mode) whose unique reciprocating engines were featured in James Cameron’s Oscar-winning film Titanic.

On Saturday, June 21, the O’Brien will slip her moorings for an anniversary cruise around the Bay, 10am – 2pm. The cost is $100 per person. Later this year, the O’Brien will be featured in a special episode of the new Hero Ships series produced for the History Channel.