The SS Jeremiah O’Brien is a working World War II Liberty ship moored on San Francisco’s waterfront and open as a floating museum. One of only two surviving Liberty ships still in operating condition, it took part in the D-Day effort in 1944. You can explore spaces including the bridge, crew quarters, gun decks and engine room, and see how sailors lived and worked aboard a cargo ship. On special Steaming Weekends, the original steam engine runs; the ship also makes occasional cruises on San Francisco Bay.
A Liberty ship with a D-Day history
The SS Jeremiah O’Brien was built in South Portland, Maine, in 56 days. During World War II, Liberty ships carried goods and people across the Atlantic to support the Allied effort. The O’Brien took part in the D-Day effort in 1944 and is one of just two Liberty ships from the war that remain fully operational.
The ship is preserved as a floating museum and memorial to the U.S. Merchant Marine and World War II veterans. Its original working machinery and accessible shipboard spaces give the visit a practical focus: you can see where people worked and lived, as well as the equipment that kept the vessel moving.
What you can see on board
A visit takes you through parts of the ship used for navigation, daily life and defense. Explore the bridge and crew quarters, then look at the gun decks and other defensive weaponry. The engine room contains the ship’s triple-expansion steam engine, which is still operational.
The layout includes steep, narrow stairways, so take care as you move between levels. Closed-toed, flat shoes are recommended. The engine room’s machinery remains in working condition, and clothing can come into contact with oil or grease there.
Steaming weekends and bay cruises
On special Steaming Weekends, the original steam engine runs. The ship also leaves its berth for cruises on San Francisco Bay on selected dates, roughly twice a year. These sailings give passengers a chance to see the city and the ship from the water, but cruise dates are occasional, not part of every visit.
Check ahead for volunteer days if you would like to talk with people who can explain the ship’s history and operation. The ship is an actual working vessel, so keep children close and use the handrails on stairways.
Häufige Fragen
Where is the SS Jeremiah O’Brien?
It is moored on San Francisco’s waterfront at Pier 35.
What can you see aboard the SS Jeremiah O’Brien?
The public areas include the bridge, crew quarters, gun decks and engine room, along with exhibits about the ship and its history.
Can you see the ship’s steam engine running?
The original steam engine runs on special Steaming Weekends. Check ahead for dates.
Does the SS Jeremiah O’Brien go on cruises?
Yes. It makes occasional cruises on San Francisco Bay, roughly twice a year. Check ahead for sailing dates.
