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NIAGARA Erie, PA day with a moderate breeze - a good day for sea trials. At 7:50 A.M. the JIGGS started the tow out of Erie harbor and after clearing the outer buoy dropped the towline. The NIAGARA’s master on this day was Captain Carl Bowman, formerly of the Coast Guard's training ship EAGLE. He had spent a lifetime at sea on sailing ships. She went out 14 miles into Lake Erie and the crew of 34, of which only 10 had sailing experience, tried all of the 12 sails they had on board. Smith was quite pleased with her performance as she easily made 11 knots. For the first time a “rebuilt” NIAGARA had sailed on her own. She returned to the dock at 3:30 PM. The next official function occurred on Saturday, August 18th. Governor Robert P. 4 September 10, 1988 Author's Photo Casey's speech was part of a 45 minute commissioning ceremony. Captain Eric Marshall, USNR, was the ceremony officer-in-charge. “Side boys” in period Navy uniforms piped the governor on board. The Erie Concert Band played appropriate selections and the commissioning pennant was raised. The nearby U.S.S. FAHRION fired a 21 gun salute. Designer-builder Smith told the crowd, “I urge you to share her with the rest of America. Then | urge you to take care of her. You have a jewel in American history”. One must step aboard the brig NIAGARA to truly appreciate the fine workmanship and to have something of a feeling for what happened back in 1613. She is something all Americans can be proud of. 44-9-3