NAVHISDET - Naval Historical Detachment
NAVHISDET - Naval Historical Detachment
Preserving Our Naval Heritage


Summer 2001 Cruise

Capt. Paul Esbensen
P-51 Mustang
The Summer 2001 Cruise begins - looking from the forward gun tub, port side, a view of the BROWN's Master, Capt. Paul Esbensen (center) and helmsman as the BROWN heads down the Chesapeake Bay.
Unlike the Spring 2001 cruise, when weather grounded most of the warbird flyovers, the weather for the Summer 2001 cruise was great. Here, a P-51D Mustang is caught between the forward loading booms as it banks over the BROWN.
Spitfire
Friendlies
A newcomer to the skies over the Chesapeake Bay, a Spitfire Mk. IX. The Mustang and Spitfire over the ship, as they head back to New Jersey.
Firing Party Rehearsal
Firing Party Rehearsal

After lunch, NAVHISDET members practiced the drill for the firing party's role during the Memorial Service later during the cruise. Seen second from right is Tom "Gunny" Williams, aka "The Bad Man"..his first appearance with NAVHISDET in a few years.

 Another view of the firing party practicing their drill.
Memorial Wreath
"Okay guys...did you see that one.." The firing party on top of the mast house, aft of No. 2 hatch, shortly before the Memorial Service begins. NAVHISDET members and US Naval Armed Guard veterans prepare to lay the memorial wreath over the side during the Memorial service.
Enemy Aircraft
B-25 inbound
Shortly after the Memorial Service, NAVHISDET members manned the guns to repel enemy aircraft. Seen here, a VAL and KATE, two of the aircraft which flew over the BROWN, are being tracked as they fly down starboard 20 mm gun on the forward gun deck. The last plane to fly over during the cruise was a B-25J owned by Larry Kelly. Here, the B-25 can be seen flying up the port side of the BROWN.
B-25, port side
B-25J Panchito
Another view of the B-25J as it flies along the port side of the BROWN, with a civilian boat following. The B-25, as it flew along the starboard side of the BROWN, the last flyover of the cruise.

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