Boatnerd Discussion Forum

I failed to say I sailed with Decatur on the Ziesing in '72. Eddie could have very well sailed for PSS/USS longer than the records available. My dad started his career in 1923 @ 15, retiring in 1972 as Captain. What I'm uncertain of is the 1st 15 years. Russ has provided me with an avenue to possibly get an answer. Dad could have possibly sailed all 49 years with the fleet. I know Eddie and dad were friendly, as Captain's go. Good luck in your search.

Russ wrote:According to the 1976 Red Book, Robert Decator was Captain of the A. H. Ferbert. Edwin Finnigan was Captain on the Enders M. Voorhees.

That's possible, as we started the season with Bob Decatur. Leonard Schomer was also on the Ferbert that year as relief. I think we finished the year with Finnigan. If I could find my discharges I would know.

Did Captain Finnigan retire in 1976 then? I do not seem to have found any records of him after that point. According to the info I found between Russ and the BGSU site he started sailing in the mid 30s, he was a wheelsman on the Malietoa in 1938 I beleive. He must have been sailing a couple years before that as a deckhand before he became wheelsman. Looks like he could have easily spent 40 years with Pittsburgh/USS then if he started around 1936 or earlier.

I sailed with Decatur in '72 as the 12-4 deckwatch. He lived on peanut butter toast and black coffee. Eddie Finnegan came up the hause pipe with my dad.

According to the 1976 Red Book, Robert Decator was Captain of the A. H. Ferbert. Edwin Finnigan was Captain on the Enders M. Voorhees.

Ed Finnigan was captain on the A.H. Ferbert all of the 1976 season. I broke in under him as third and second mate, and wheeled for him that year.

It looks like I have approximately 50 listings for this individual between 1938 and 1976.

Hello I am searching for information on Captain Edwin H. Finnigan. He sailed for USS from at least 1938 until 1976. I have various little bits of information on him, but I would like to get as much as possible if I can. Perhaps if anyone has any photos of him, or a more detailed sailing history I would appreciate any information that anyone can help me with. Thanks. -Steve