Sail 250: America’s Maritime Celebration

New Orleans this week echoed with ship horns and ceremonial salutes as the city welcomed Sail 250, a nationwide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Tall ships and military vessels globally docked at the Mississippi River, offering public access to ships usually closed to visitors. Among them was the USCGC Eagle, known as “America’s Tall Ship.” This 295-foot training vessel is the sole active square-rigger in U.S. government service.

Stepping aboard the Eagle feels historic. With 23 sails, 6 miles of rigging, and around 150 Coast Guard trainees, life on the ship remains traditional. Cadets climb masts, manage rigging manually, and train aloft while learning seamanship fundamentals.

Below deck on the Eagle sits a historic piece: a newspaper printing of the Declaration of Independence. “Back then, the newspaper broadside was the best technology,” said Seth Kaller, an expert in historical documents. “The Declaration’s text was vital for people to read in 1776.”

The Eagle serves as a training ground for future Coast Guard officers, teaching leadership, teamwork, and technical seamanship skills. “Since 1946, future officers have sailed this ship,” said Capt. Christopher Ensley, commanding officer. “We teach leadership, teamwork, and technical skills like seamanship and navigation, preparing them for sea service.”

This training leads to ships like the USCGC Mohawk, where Coast Guard crews conduct modern missions from migrant interdictions to drug enforcement. “We use two small boats onboard daily, aiding all missions,” said Ensign Riley Thorburn aboard the Mohawk.

Sail 250 also highlights modern military life at sea. Docked nearby is the USS Kearsarge, an amphibious assault ship, home to nearly 3,000 sailors and Marines during deployments. It operates like a floating city, with pilots, flight crews, cooks, doctors, and firefighters working nonstop globally.

“Every sailor is a firefighter,” said Damage Controlman Allison Anutta during a firefighting demonstration aboard the Kearsarge. The ship’s firefighting capability is part of a mission set extending beyond combat. It can carry up to eight F-35 aircraft, supporting a wide range of deployments from humanitarian response to combat readiness.

A 39-person Fleet Surgical Team stabilizes and treats patients at sea. “We’re a microcosm of the American population,” said Cmdr. Timothy Brooks, senior medical officer. “We manage health issues found in America here, striving for good general health.”

Other crew members share pride in their roles. “We rescue, protect, and deliver globally at a moment’s notice,” explained Naval Air Crewman Bryan Morch.

The New Orleans arrival included ceremonial moments, a 21-gun salute, and ship horns along the Mississippi River marking the national celebration’s start.

Marines aboard connect their mission with service and sacrifice. “Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for a friend,” quoted U.S. Marine Grace Shneider from the Bible. “This represents the military to me.” As America’s 250th anniversary approaches, crew members see their work as a continuation of service and history.

A HSC-26 helicopter sits on the USS Kearsarge flight deck in New Orleans for Sail 250. The fleet continues its journey up the East Coast, with stops in Norfolk, Baltimore, New York, and Boston.