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MEMBERS OF SCOUT PACK 699 of Bowdoinham “weigh down” a 17-ton anchor, on display at the bow of the USS Massachusetts. It takes two of these to hold the ship in place.
MEMBERS OF SCOUT PACK 699 of Bowdoinham “weigh down” a 17-ton anchor, on display at the bow of the USS Massachusetts. It takes two of these to hold the ship in place.
BOWDOINHAM

Scout Pack 699 of Bowdoinham recently made a trip to Battleship Cove, in Fall River, Massachusetts, to explore the worlds’ largest collection of historic U.S. naval ships.

After touring the battleship Massachusetts, destroyer Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., and PT Boats 617 and 796, the scouts, their parents and adult leaders spent the night of April 24 on board the USS Massachusetts.

There are two additional vessels, submarine Lionfish, and the Russian missile corvette Hiddensee, which were unavailable for touring due to restoration needs.

Battleship Cove’s Nautical Nights, Friday evening program included living history presenters, a major motion picture, World War II cartoon’s, and a self-guided scavenger hunt. The experience enabled the scouts to better understand and appreciate the sacrifices made by veterans of all military branches in all wars.

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During the orientation portion of their visit, the pack met Navy veteran and former crew member, 92 year old, Armand Vigeant. He welcomed and answered questions from the scouts about his experiences on board.

“It was a pleasure to meet Armand, and a treasure to discover him at the Cove,” a scout press release states.

The Scouts and adults enjoyed climbing throughout the many levels, decks, and platforms of the ships. A favorite spot to find was the 18” artillery, powder magazines on the deepest platform of the battleship.

Battleship Cove serves as the Commonwealth’s official memorial for Massachusetts citizens of all military branches who lost their lives in World War II, and the Korean Vietnam and Persian Gulf conflicts, and most recently the Commonwealth’s victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Preserving five National Historic Landmark naval vessels, Battleship Cove also delivers educational programs that expose a national audience of 60,000 youths to a mission that promotes duty, honor and country.

For more information about Battleship Cove visit www.battleshipcove.org


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