It is one of only two Liberty ships still in existence that saw active service in World War II.
The ship was named after Jeremiah O'Brien, an American Revolutionary War naval hero.
Its engine room remains functional, featuring original oil-fired boilers and triple-expansion steam engines.
The ship made a 16,000-mile round trip voyage from San Francisco to Normandy in 1994 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of D-Day.
During WWII, the ship's crew consisted of approximately 40 merchant mariners and 12-25 armed guards.
The vessel is maintained almost entirely by a volunteer crew, many of whom are retired mariners.
It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The ship participated in the 1997 film 'Titanic' to capture authentic 1910s-era mechanical aesthetics.
The SS Jeremiah O'Brien is one of only two remaining fully operational Liberty ships from the World War II fleet of 2,710 vessels. Permanently docked at Pier 35 in San Francisco, this National Historic Landmark remains a functional steam-powered ship that occasionally cruises the San Francisco Bay. Visitors can explore the engine room, bridge, crew quarters, and cargo holds, which are preserved to reflect 1944 conditions. The ship participated in the D-Day invasion of Normandy, completing eleven round-trips across the English Channel. It maintains its original triple-expansion steam engine, which is operational and serves as the centerpiece of the vessel's engineering displays. Unlike static museum ships, the O'Brien is maintained by a dedicated volunteer crew and remains a member of the National Defense Reserve Fleet. It served as a filming location for the 1997 film 'Titanic,' specifically for the engine room sequences.
The flying bridge offers a panoramic view of the San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and the ship's forward deck.
Wear comfortable, flat, rubber-soled shoes to navigate steep, narrow steel ladders and uneven metal decking.
Bring a light jacket, as temperatures on the bay and inside the steel hull can be significantly colder than on the shore.
Ask the volunteer crew members questions; they are often retired engineers or sailors with deep knowledge of the ship’s mechanics.
Do not attempt to explore the ship if you have mobility issues, as the vessel features many vertical ladders and high thresholds that are not wheelchair accessible.
Closed on certain holidays; occasionally leaves the pier for public cruises or maintenance, so check the official status before visiting.
Use handrails at all times when climbing steep ladders; do not touch machinery unless permitted by staff.
