The S.S. Ocean Viceroy was the one of the 30 Ocean Class ships built for Britain on the West Coast, and my mother, Helen Celeste Brown, was honored to be her sponsor on May 22, 1942. She had the unfortunate experience of breaking a finger on her right hand when it was crushed between the ship’s bow and the bottle of champagne. Needless to say, she experienced a great deal of pain during all of the formal handshakes that followed.
Eight years old at the time, I had the honor of pulling the “full speed ahead” lever that cut the ship loose and let her slip down the way into Richmond Bay. I remember well the Navy Band with its big horns booming as it played “Anchors Away” and other patriotic songs. Everything looked so large to my young eyes. It was a day that I will always remember.
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Russell, Richard and Helen Brown
Helen, ready with champagne bottle.
Watching the Viceroy slip down the way.
The "just launched" Ocean Viceroy at rest in the bay. Note the floating skid material.
The"fully outfitted" S.S. Ocean Viceroy at anchor.
Helen with roses, Richard and Russ.
The S.S. Ocean Viceroy flying the British and American Flags.
Helen with commemorative silver tray. Note broken middle finger on her right hand is being held out.
