Battleship Cove

10/13/2026

Happy 251st Birthday to the US Navy from all of us with Big Mamie!

Happy 248th Birthday to the United States Navy!

October 13 marks the birthday of the U.S. Navy, which traces its roots back to the early days of the American Revolution. On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress established a naval force, hoping that a small fleet of privateers could attack British commerce and offset British sea power.

10/09/2026

Higgins photo showing PT-75 and PT-76 under construction at the Higgins Plant, New Orleans, 1 July 1942. National Archives collection.

10/08/2026

The skeletons are making their way topside… 💀👀

Will you be meeting them there? 🎃

October 23 • 6–9 PM
🎟️ $15/person

👻 Gremlin’s Ghoul-A-Palooza

Get your tickets now!
https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/battleshipcove/items/761850/?full-items=yes&flow=1103232

10/06/2026

This month in 1944, Big Mamie BB-59 departed the Marshall Islands on 6 October, sailing to support the landings in Leyte Gulf. In an effort to block Japanese air attacks in the Leyte conflict, she participated in a fleet strike against Okinawa on 10 October.

Between 12 and 14 October, she protected forces hitting Formosa. While part of TG 38.3 she took part In the famous Battle for Leyte Gulf between 22 to 27 October, during which planes from her group sank four Japanese carriers during the Battle of Cape Engano.

While on station on October 25, 1944, during the Battle of the Leyte Gulf, the Japanese deploy kamikaze (“divine wind”) su***de bombers against American warships for the first time.

Your battleship was there....

(Photo is of BIG MAMIE evading aircraft in April 1945 and used for reference only)

10/05/2026

Don't forget to see the remains of the 59 boat at the Cove! She was future President John F. Kennedy's second combat boat in World War 2.

BuShips photo (11 March 1945) showing the ex PT-59 (now designated small boat C-102584) being relocated at the Philadelphia Navy Yard just prior to her 18 month dehumidification long-term dry storage evaluation project. At the end of the storage in 1946, and after evaluation of the hull, the project was halted; remaining boat equipment and engines were removed; and she was sold off in 1947. A portion of her engine room and stern are on display at Battleship Cove. Photos and information from NARA.

10/04/2026

Work restarted way down in KENNEDY.

Adam and Marcus restarted our welding effort in the SONAR Equipment room. These inserts were just seal welded into the existing deck.

We hope to complete the SONAR Equipment room deck repairs by the end of October. All thanks our donors!

Thanks to our supporters who are enabling KENNEDY to strengthen her major structures. Once completed, the final restoration of SONAR Equipment will be undertaken.

10/02/2026

Everyone loves a comeback story.

Superstructure efforts on USS Massachusetts are continuing with YOUR donations, support, and our crewmembers! Blueprints are being read, priorities are being set, and work is being planned.

Under the direction of Chris Nardi and Steve Ponte, our painting contractor has painted the main arm of the boat crane and the base of 16" gun director SPOT 2 recently. Prepping was underway today on the horizontal arms and top of SPOT 2 for some primer and fresh paint.

Tom Lowney is on vacation (who authorized that?) but advised he is ready to come back to finish up Mount 5!

Only a few years from our complete hull repaint effort, we have a long way to go to repaint our superstructure. However, we are all in 100% and know how much this ship means to many.

Stay tuned here for details as we show progress and updates for all our ships and exhibits at this site!

09/30/2026

Many are hearing of our Halloween Gremlin's Ghoul-A-Palooza event and may be wondering what connection a Gremlin has with Battleship Cove.

This sign made many years ago onboard provides a brief overview but is slightly incorrect. George the Gremlin IS the Official mascot of USS Massachusetts BB-59 and was carried on the starboard side of Turret 1 during WW2 as part of the ship's original crew art.

Gremlins became famous during World War II as mythical mischief-makers blamed for aircraft and machinery malfunctions. However, that was not the case with our George as he watched over BIG MAMIE battle after battle protecting the crew.

While a version of him is currently on Turret 2, we are happy to advise that we intend to put George back in all his glory back in his original spot on Turret 1.

When visiting BIG MAMIE, be sure to visit George the Gremlin... and attend his Halloween event that will be an exciting night aboard BIG MAMIE for parents and kids alike on Friday, October 23rd.

09/29/2026

🚨 ONE MONTH UNTIL THE SHIP GETS SPOOKY 👻🎃

The countdown to Gremlin’s Ghoul-A-Palooza is officially ON! ⚓️

Get your costumes ready and grab your tickets before it’s too late… 👀

Grab your tickets today!
https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/battleshipcove/items/761850/?full-items=yes&flow=1103232

09/29/2026

All in the Famiily

Sister Ships: USS Massachusetts (BB-59) is seen from USS Alabama (BB-60) in Casco Bay, Maine, January 1943.