In the winter fall of 2004 Project Liberty Ship's youth program staff produced it's first patch. The patch was given to participants of our youth program and was never for sale to anyone else. Originally, only 250 of the patches were made but an additional 250 were produced for a total patch run of 500. In 2006, it was decided that a new (Bi)yearly patch was needed. As it was was with the first patch, each new patch is only available to program participants for the duration of its production run of 500 patches and will never be reproduced or sold.

The new patch is the effort is several folks. The short story behind it goes like this...

While sitting in my office at home, I was asked my wife for her input about a new patch. I had not solicited input from others yet, and after our conversation I didn't believe that it would be necessary. It was evident that the theme for the new patch should be designed for the 65th birthday of the ship, so off I went to our patch designer with the idea.

After a phone call to Bob and a brief description of the idea, I received three concept drawings to choose from. As usual, Bob's creative genius shined through and within a week the latest patch was on it's way to production.

So let's talk about the patch itself now...

The inspiration behind the theme of this patch is SS John W. Brown's 65 years of service to America. After serving as a cargo ship and troop transport during WWII, The Brown entered into service as part of a New York City public high school, helping students learn the skills necessary to make a living as part of the maritime service of the United States. After her service as a school ship and a short stint in the "moth ball" reserve fleet, the Brown continued her journey as a educator of the citizens of the US when she became a living history museum ship, run by Project Liberty Ship, receiving visitors from around the world.

The patch shows the Brown steaming ahead through the numerals 65 symbolizing full speed ahead on her mission of continued service to our nation. The phrase "Educating Tomorrow's Leaders" is is an indication of how the Brown has spent most of her life, educating young and old alike. The patch is encircled with a continuous string of rope and chain supporting the ship's name board to symbolize continued service.