The Seaward
At Brokaw Yachts, we are quite proud of our chosen logo, the sailing vessel U.S.S. Seaward. You can see it on our website, business cards and letterhead. Let us give you a bit of history concerning this elegant and courageous gaff-rigged schooner.
The Seaward (IX-60) was built by the Adams Company of East Boothbay, Maine, in 1920. She was owned and operated by her skipper, the famous filmmaker and movie mogul, Cecil B. DeMille. Mr. DeMille cruised the California coast in the heyday of Hollywood circa 1930 – 1940.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the maritime situation on the West Coast changed dramatically. The Seaward was acquired by the U.S. Navy on January 31, 1942, destined to become a coast-watch vessel. In the early days after Pearl Harbor, Imperial Japanese submarines were expected off the west coast of the United States. A fast auxiliary schooner was sure to prove a swift and silent patrol vessel. The Seaward was placed into service on February 19, 1942 - assigned to the 11th Naval District, and homeported at San Pedro, California. By July of 1942, the newly commissioned U.S.S. Seaward was assigned to the Western Sea Frontier.
Our founder, George Brokaw, was one of her trusty crew. After the Pearl Harbor attack, George immediately enlisted in the Navy. He already had extensive sailing experience, and his seamanship skills landed him on the deck of the Seaward. During the first year of his naval service, he crewed the Seaward, on patrol for enemy vessels. The U.S.S. Seaward even patrolled the Pacific off the Mexican coast. On one occassion, George and the Seaward were sent to evaluate a grounded Victory ship off of Guadalupe Island. The demands and rigors of the war effort prevented the ship from being salvaged; the Navy decided to leave it to the sea and the elements. The Seaward came alongside the grounded ship, and George was able to get aboard and salvage the ship's bell. That bell is now proudly mounted in our office. It stills rings resolutely.
George eventually left the Seaward and went on to become a small boat pilot for the Navy. He was later present for the historic landing of Naval and Marine forces at Tarawa. George served his country with courage and distinction, ultimately leaving naval service for a career in education.
As for the Seaward, she was placed out of service on April 1, 1943; and was struck from the Navy list on July 18, 1944.
As you can see, the history of the U.S.S. Seaward, and our founder’s sailing experience are forever intertwined.