USS Massachusetts (BB-59)

This January the Shriver Paint students, along with Instructor Tim Yost and IUPAT Field Coordinator Al Gomes, were able to take on a joint project with the IUPAT DC-35 industrial apprentices and their Instructor Don Verville, on board the USS Massachusetts in Fall River, MA at the Battleship Cove Naval History Museum. They were given the task of painting 15 large storage lockers and 2 control panels in the ships 3rd deck aft berthing compartments, while the apprentices painted the walls, ceilings and floors of the compartment. This area will now be used as an exhibit to show the sailors living quarters, and will be part of a tour that is open to the public. The Shriver students were also given a bathroom to paint on their own.
DC-35 apprentices have been going to the USS Massachusetts to work on it for the past 5 years. They have made quite a relationship with the Battleship Coves Facilities Manager Kenneth Preble and his staff. This year, IUPAT FC Alan Gomes and DC-35 Director of Training Eric Redding were able to meet with Mr. Preble and factor the IUPAT Shriver students into the project. This project served dual purposes for the Shriver students, they were able to work with people who are currently employed in our trade, and also got to work on a real piece of history. All who participated were more than happy to help keep the USS Massachusetts looking good.