Mackinaw: Old and New

Old and New

The Mackinaw has been in service for over 50 years. As a result, she is a mixture of old and new. Her bridge deck reveals an example of this blend of modern and traditional.

First, the original engine controls occupy a prominent position to the right of her wheel. The massive brass handles are linked to the ship's three electric propulsion motors: port aft, bow, and starboard aft.

The mouse and keyboard of the ship's modern navigational computer system are more recent additions to this area. The Captain's Chair, in which by tradition only the ship's commanding officer may sit, provides the Captain with a comfortable seat during long watches on the bridge.