2021 Cape Charles Blessing of the Fleet
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Members of Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 054-12-02, based in Painter, tow a wreath in memory of watermen lost at sea. The crew included John Evans, of Cape Charles; Ron West, of Machipongo; and Seymour Bradley, of Cape Charles.
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Two of Cape Charles’ few remaining skippers and crew line up in front the Thomas Jaiden. Pictured are, from left, Captain Thomas Heath of the Whistlin’ Dixie, of Cape Charles; his son, Captain Kenneth Heath of the Thomas Jaiden, of Cape Charles; and Thomas Jaiden crew, Len Spady, of Oyster, Justin Travis, of Cape Charles, and Chris Derwort, of Cape Charles.
![](https://easternshorepost.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/BlessingOfFleet-9873-307x420.jpg)
John Evans, of Cape Charles, lowers a wreath in memory of watermen lost at sea. Members of Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 054-12-02, based in Painter, towed the wreath into the Chesapeake Bay. With Evans are Ron West, of Machipongo, and Seymour Bradley, of Cape Charles.
![](https://easternshorepost.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/BlessingOfFleet-9823-280x420.jpg)
The Station Cape Charles Color Guard carries flags into the ceremony. Members of the color guard are MK3 Keaton Sheddon; Seaman Lucas Graves, Seaman Ryan Ellis, and Boatswain's Mate Kyle Hanson.
Story and Photos by Jim Ritch –
Mayor Smitty Dize made a plea for upholding watermen and their culture at the annual Blessing of the Fleet Friday in Cape Charles.
“Let’s not make history. Let’s protect our heritage. I don’t want to see this in a museum,” Mayor Dize said.
Offering prayers were local clergy members the Rev. Felton Sessoms and the Rev. Virginia Greer.