"I attended high school in Tarrytown NY from 1966 until 1970. I could see the Hudson River from many of my classrooms. Over the years I got to recognize many of the tugs and other vessels on the river. One of those vessels was the Mary A. Whalen. I didn't know her name at the time. I learned that later one day when I was watching the news and she was identified as having run aground on Long Island. I remember saying "I know that boat. I see her on the Hudson from my school." Then from 1970 until 1974 I went to college in Rockland County. As a result I used to cross the Tappan Zee Bridge on my commute. During these years I continued to see the Mary A. Whalen on occasion. My family also rented a space at the Peekskill Seaplane Base where we kept a trailer. This allowed us to spend days off and weekends along the Hudson. It was located in the East bank of the Hudson across from Stony Point. Again I would also see the Mary A. Whalen on occasion. Another notable event we witnessed from Peekskiill Seaplane Base was the first voyage of the Queen Elizabeth 2 which sailed up the Hudson to the Bear Mountain Bridge. Also during these years the government was disposing of the mothball fleet of Liberty Ships. About once a week a tug would bring one down the Hudson. Many of them were towed to New Jersey for scrapping. However one of the first Liberty Ships that was towed down the Hudson was involved in some controversy. It was approximately 1969 or 1970. The government wanted to dispose of a deadly chemical weapon in its stockpile. It was decided to place the weapons in a Liberty Ship and seal the hold of the ship with concrete. The ship was then sunk in deep water somewhere. However I remember this incident getting news coverage at the time. After college I worked in central Westchester and wasn't able to see the Hudson River on a daily basis. As a result I lost track with many of the boats on the Hudson for several years. However in 1991 I moved to Hyde Park and can see the Hudson from my home. I have reconnected with the river. There is a ship anchorage in my back yard and I can hear the anchor chain running out when a ship anchors there. They also change pilots there. Also many ships have to wait until there is a space for them to proceed up to the Port of Coymans or Albany. I'm also an avid follower of Marine Traffic and I know all of the current day regular vessels on the Hudson. As I have stated before I would remember the Mary A. Whalen on occasion. In a small way she was part of my life back in those days and I'm so glad to know that she is doing well in Red Hook Brooklyn. At some point in time I would like to attend one of the events that you sponsor. Again keep up the good work and thank you for saving her."