Freshman Field Trip: Brooklyn Navy Yard
By: Nolan Conway '15
In October the Freshman Class had their first opportunity to see a dry-docked vessel as part of our Naval Architecture 1 course. The trip was organized by Dean Neilson, and along with Professor Werner, we packed into our vans and headed to the Brooklyn Navy Yard. For some of us, the Horizon Lines vessel Discovery was the first large ship we had ever seen. The vessel was being held high and dry allowing great views of the hull form and propeller. We were given the opportunity to explore the vessel led by our tour guides alumni Dave Rodger ’63 and Al Bozzuffi ’78 (of course there were some great side-narrations from the Dean himself). From bow to stern, engine room to the control room, we were able to weave our way through welders and grinders to explore the whole vessel. At the bow of the ship both groups were reunited where we received a great view of the NYC fire boat coming in to dock (to be visited later). The class was stunned by the vessel’s maneuverability. As one last treat for the day, we were granted permission to go down into the dock itself. As we crawled through thick East River mud, we were dwarfed by the vessel towering above us. Looking up at the boat put its size into perspective and made a great end to a great trip. Tired and hungry we made our way back to Webb where we were granted with a little surprise, a little sea-trial of our own.
