Press Release –
PERTH AMBOY – A 65’ aluminum boat which was formerly a Vietnam era patrol boat will be visiting the Perth Amboy Ferry Slip Museum on Memorial Day weekend,  May 23 through May 26.

The United States began to funnel aid into South Vietnam as early as 1955 and ramped up considerably under late President John Kennedy.  The U.S. built this boat specifically to spy on the Viet Cong during that war.  It was designed and outfitted with hi-tech electronics for surveillance.

The retired vessel is now named “Sea Horse” and is operated by the Sea Scouts, a division of the Boy Scouts of America.  The Sea Scouts is a co-ed program for youth between the ages of 14 and 21.  The program builds competence, team work and vital thinking while on land and water.   An advanced program which is physically and emotionally demanding  teaches leadership skills while the scouts are underway on the boat. The advanced program (SEAL) candidates are prepared to learn, lead and excel in life.

Youngsters visiting the Sea Horse will have an opportunity to learn more about the program and sign on if interested.  These young people will learn to sail, operate boats, learn navigation, weather, and many other aspects of boating.

During the Summer, the youth meet every weekend on the boat and attend a monthly meeting in Linden.  There are cruises and social activities on land as well as water.  Each Spring they chip and paint the vessel until it is trim and in ship shape.

An Open House will be held on Saturday, May 23, and everyone is invited to attend and tour the boat.  There will also be applications available for parents who have sons and daughters interested in joining the ship.

Also on Saturday, at 12 Noon there will be a fascinating lecture given by “Captain Bill” who will discuss the many finds discovered by divers in our area.

Please join us at the Ferry Slip Museum, 300 Front St, Perth Amboy on the beautiful waterfront convenient to restaurants and a delightful ice cream shop.  Take Smith St directly to Front St.

For information please call:   732-442-5425.