The Most Recent Ship Report Podcast:

Who’s on the river today?

Today we'll take a look at ship traffic, and at how the Columbia remains what it has historically been when it comes to cargo: an big export region for raw materials.

Archive Podcasts:

The USNS Guadalupe on the river

Today we have a USNS ship heading downriver, a not uncommon sight here on the Columbia. That offers a great opportunity to talk about the MIlitary Sealift Command, what they do, how they differ from regular Navy ships and a bit about today’s vessel in paticular, the USNS Guadalupe.

Photo courtesy US Navy: PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 4, 2022) Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) conducts replenishment-at-sea with fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Taylor Crenshaw)

Situational awareness: a valuable life skill that defines mariners and first responders

Today we’ll talk about something that mariners and some specialized land-based jobs share: the need for “situational awareness.” That’s the abillity to pay focused attention to what’s going on around you, and being able to respond appropriately. That means remaining calm, and no panicking.

A look at the bows of ships: the very important front end of things

Today, a look at a very specific and important design feature on ships: the bow, the very front end of things. Why do they look the way they do? And why do some ships look different than others?

Image: a ship with a plumb bow in the Astoria Anchorage. Credit: Joanne Rideout 2025.

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