U.S. Tanker Visitor to Nelson

We've read a lot about the United States' Deep Freeze expeditions but it was not until last month, a few days before the Royal visit, that we in Nelson had played host to a Deep Freeze ship. Then came the tanker Tombigbee, and the interest in the vessel was terrific. She was here for a week before resuming her fuel-carrying role down to the An tarctic. We were pleased to have her, and there was no doubt whatsoever that the ship's complement was extremely happy to be here - especially since the ship's visit coincided with that of the Queen.

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To mark the visit the ship was dressed, with officers and crew at attention along the length of the ship as the Royal barge passed (Geoff Tuffnell Pic).

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Another view of the Tombigbee before she was shifted from her berth at McGlashen Quay to the main wharf

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Scarcely had the ship berthed than Geoff Bale (president Navy League) and Joe Cotterell (president Ex-Navalmen's Association) were on board to greet skipper, Lt. R. H. McSweeny (centre), and Ensign R. M. Stern.