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Army Corps vessel with a big job steams on during parade of ships

Published May 26, 2017

NEW YORK-The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) drift collection vessel the DCV GELBERMAN helped kick off what was an epic scene along the Hudson River earlier this week.

As scores of people stood on Engeldrum Bluff at Fort Hamilton the DCV GELBERMAN carried the American flag during with pride, a USACE New York District tradition.

 USACE crews on board the DCV GELBERMAN work day in and day out to keep the Hudson River and other essential federal navigation channels open and vacant of dangers. “The crew takes pride in keeping the navigation channel free and clear from hazards.” Said Colonel David A. Caldwell, Commander, USACE, New York District. 

 The DCV GELBERMAN was joined by the USS Kearsarge, the parade of 14 ships also included: the USS Lassen, USS San Jacinto, USS Monterey, USS Zephyr, USCGC Hamilton, USCGC Katherine Walker, USNS Yuma, the RV Neil Armstrong, the HMCS Glace Bay of the Royal Canadian Navy and several United States Naval Academy yard patrol boats. Soldiers at Fort Hamilton saluted the passing ships with a customary 15-gun salute.

In lower Manhattan and Jersey City crowds of onlookers cheered on the ships as they made their way past Ellis Island through the Hudson River. The DCV GELBERMAN showed off its new paint job and its massive 30x50 American Flag.

 Every year scores of Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, and Marines swarm the New York City metro area to participate in parades and exhibits open to the public, as well as New York City’s Memorial Day Parades. This year marked the 150th Anniversary of the Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade. The Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade is the oldest in the City.

 The DCV GELBERMAN and its crew enjoyed the massive fanfare of the Parade of Ships, but without haste, the DCV GELBERMAN was back at it, ensuring that the federal navigation channel stays open to commerce and recreational vessels alike.