The SS John W. Brown was one of 2710 Liberty Ships built between 1941 and 1945 to support the war effort. These ships served gallantly, with civilian crews and a small contingent of US Navy Armed Guard Sailors to operate their defensive weapons. While about 2400 survived the war, today only two operational Liberty Ships survive: the SS John W. Brown and the SS Jeremiah O'Brien. Both ships are operational and sail on special occasions.

I was fortunate to have toured the John W. Brown in 1970, when it served as a Maritime Training High School in New York City. I have family that graduated from that high school. The ship returned to Baltimore, where she was built, in 1988 and since then a dedicated group of volunteers maintains and improves the ship.The offer tours of the ship by appointment and have an Open House on Maritime Day. I was able to do both of those this summer, and I have set up a SS John W. Brown Page on my website. Please enjoy the nostalgic voyage!