SS Jeremiah O'Brien — Attraction in San Francisco

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Search SS Jeremiah O'Brien Article Talk Language Download PDF Watch Edit Not to be confused with USS O'Brien. SS Jeremiah O'Brien is a Liberty ship built during World War II and named after the American Revolutionary War ship captain Jeremiah O'Brien (1744–1818).

SS Jeremiah O'Brien at its former berth at Pier 45 in San Francisco History United States Name Jeremiah O'Brien Namesake Jeremiah O'Brien Owner War Shipping Administration Operator Grace Line, Inc. Port of registry Portland, Maine, United States San Francisco, United States[1] Builder New England Shipbuilding Corporation Yard number 230 Laid down 6 May 1943 Launched 19 June 1943 In service 3 July 1943 Out of service 7 February 1946 Identification Call sign: KXCH IMO number: 5171749 MMSI number: 366879000 ABS class no: 4304713[2] Status Seagoing museum ship since 1979 General characteristics Class and type EC2-S-C1 (Liberty ship) Displacement 15,928 short tons (14,450 t) Length 441 ft 6 in (134.57 m) Beam 57 ft (17 m) Draft 27 ft 9 in (8.46 m) Propulsion Two Foster Wheeler (Babcock & Wilcox-design) boilers, 235 psi (1,600 kPa) 3-cylinder reciprocating triple expansion steam engine, 2,500 horsepower (~1.9 MW) at 76 rpm 1 shaft, 18-foot (5.5-meter) screw Speed 11 knots (20 km/h; 13 mph) Armament 1 × 5 inch (127 mm)/38 caliber gun (stern) 1 × 3 inch (76 mm)/50 caliber gun (bow) 8 × 20 mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns SS Jeremiah O'Brien U.S. National Register of Historic Places U.S. National Historic Landmark SS Jeremiah O'Brien is located in CaliforniaSS Jeremiah O'Brien Location Pier 35, San Francisco, California Coordinates 37°48′31″N 122°24′25″W Built 1943 Architect New York Shipbuilding Corp. NRHP reference No. 78003405 Significant dates Added to NRHP 7 June 1978[3] Designated NHL 14 January 1986[4] Now based in San Francisco, she is a rare survivor[a] of the 6,939-ship 6 June 1944 D-Day armada off the coast of Normandy, France.[5]

Of the 2,710 Liberty ships that were built, only the Jeremiah O'Brien and the SS John W. Brown (both operational as of 2024) and the SS Hellas Liberty (a static museum ship) are still afloat.[6]

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The SS Jeremiah O’Brien – A Living Piece of History

The SS Jeremiah O’Brien is one of only two surviving and fully operational Liberty ships from World War II, and I’m fortunate enough to see her every day. Since I live not far from Fisherman’s Wharf, I pass by her twice a day on my commute to and from work, and she never fails to impress me with the weight of history she represents.

Built in just 56 days in South Portland, Maine, the O’Brien was launched in 1943 and quickly became a vital part of the Allied lifeline, carrying troops and supplies across the Atlantic. Most notably, she played a crucial role in the D-Day invasion of 1944, completing 11 shuttle runs to the Normandy beaches under fire. After the war, she was mothballed in the National Defense Reserve Fleet in Suisun Bay, north of San Francisco, where she remained largely forgotten for more than 30 years.

In the late 1970s, a group of dedicated volunteers, many of them retired merchant mariners, rescued the O’Brien from the scrap yard and restored her to full working condition. In 1979, she was towed to San Francisco, where she has been permanently docked at Pier 45 ever since. In 1994, she even made a historic return to Normandy for the 50th anniversary of D-Day, becoming the only large vessel from the original invasion fleet to make the journey back.

Today, the Jeremiah O’Brien serves as both a floating museum and a living memorial to the U.S. Merchant Marine and all who served in WWII. Visitors can walk through the bridge, crew quarters, gun decks, and the powerful triple-expansion steam engine room, which still runs during special “Steaming Weekends” on San Francisco Bay. It’s an extraordinary chance to experience history not just as a story, but as a living, working vessel.

For me, the O’Brien is more than just a museum ship; it’s a daily reminder of courage, resilience, and service. If you’re visiting San Francisco, I highly recommend stepping aboard. Touring the SS Jeremiah O’Brien is like stepping back into time, and it offers one of the most unique and unforgettable experiences the city...

I recently had the opportunity to visit the SS Jeremiah O'Brien in San Francisco, and it was a truly memorable experience. This historic World War II ship offers an amazing glimpse into the past and provides a fascinating journey through maritime history.

From the moment I stepped on board, I was in awe of the ship's well-preserved condition and attention to detail. The knowledgeable and passionate volunteers on board were eager to share their expertise and answer any questions I had, making the visit even more engaging.

The SS Jeremiah O'Brien is a living museum, allowing visitors to explore various areas of the ship, including the engine room, captain's quarters, cargo areas, and even the wheelhouse. Each section provides a unique perspective on what life was like for the crew during wartime.

One highlight of the visit was witnessing the impressive operations of the ship's original steam engines. The rumble and power of the engines truly bring history to life and offer a rare opportunity to experience the machinery that played such a vital role during World War II.

The ship also features informative displays, exhibits, and artifacts, which provide an in-depth look into the ship's history and its involvement in the war effort. The attention to detail in these exhibits is commendable, and they offer a comprehensive understanding of the ship's significance.

The SS Jeremiah O'Brien is wonderfully maintained, and the dedication of the volunteers and staff is evident throughout. The ship is a testament to the hard work and commitment of those who have worked tirelessly to preserve this piece of history.

I highly recommend a visit to the SS Jeremiah O'Brien for history enthusiasts, maritime lovers, and anyone interested in World War II. It's an educational and immersive experience that offers a unique perspective on the past. Don't miss the opportunity to step back in time and explore this impressive ship!"

I hope this review accurately reflects your experience at the SS Jeremiah O'Brien in...