Students in Grades 5–8 from Saint Joseph School recently traveled to Battleship Cove in Fall River, MA, for a memorable field trip on the eve of Veterans Day. At Saint Joseph School, field trips are carefully chosen to correlate with teaching units and serve as extensions of the curriculum. This year’s visit to Battleship Cove was planned to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans, deepen students’ understanding of U.S. military history, and connect classroom learning in social studies, science, and STEM with real-world experiences aboard historic naval vessels.
Battleship Cove is a nonprofit maritime museum and war memorial that houses the world’s largest collection of World War II-era naval vessels. Located along the waterfront in Fall River, the museum is home to several National Historic Landmarks, including the battleship USS Massachusetts, the destroyer USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., and the World War II submarine USS Lionfish, as well as historic patrol torpedo boats and other craft. Together, these ships preserve the stories of American sailors and commemorate the sacrifices of veterans from World War II through the Vietnam era.
For many Saint Joseph School students, the highlight of the trip was stepping aboard the USS Lionfish, a World War II submarine preserved much as it appeared during its service in the Pacific. Students were struck by the submarine’s cramped quarters, narrow passageways, and stacked bunks, all of which offered a powerful visual of what daily life was like for submariners at sea. They were especially fascinated by the size of the torpedoes and the complexity of the equipment needed to operate the vessel beneath the ocean’s surface. The experience brought to life the courage, precision, and teamwork required of the sailors who served on submarines like the Lionfish.
Adding a very special dimension to the day was the students’ tour guide, Chloe Johnson, daughter of Saint Joseph School’s middle school math instructor, David Johnson. Chloe is a senior at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, where she is majoring in Marine Engineering. Earlier this year, she completed an immersive internship with the Military Sealift Command, sailing on the USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) in Gaeta, Italy. During her internship, Chloe gained hands-on experience in the world of marine engineering by performing daily maintenance, troubleshooting mechanical systems, and contributing to the overall operation of the ship.
Chloe shared stories from her time aboard the Mount Whitney and explained how systems like those the students were seeing on the historic vessels continue to function—albeit in more modern forms—on today’s ships. Her firsthand perspective helped students connect what they were observing at Battleship Cove with real career paths in engineering, maritime service, and the military. Hearing from a young adult who is now working toward a future at sea made the experience especially inspiring.
Throughout the visit, students were encouraged to reflect on the bravery and dedication of the men and women who served aboard these ships, as well as the responsibilities we share as citizens to remember their sacrifices. By walking the decks, climbing the ladders, and peering into the living and working spaces of sailors from another era, students gained a deeper appreciation for the history they study in class and the freedoms they enjoy today.
The Grade 5–8 field trip to Battleship Cove exemplified Saint Joseph School’s commitment to meaningful, experience-based learning. It blended history, STEM, and career exploration while fostering respect for veterans and gratitude for those who serve. As students returned to Webster, they carried with them not only facts and photographs, but also a renewed sense of appreciation for our nation’s military history and the people whose stories are preserved within the steel hulls at Battleship Cove.
