
The Golden Bear Ship is a training ground for energy efficiency. The ship's advanced energy management system allows it to operate at a 50% reduction in energy consumption compared to similar vessels.
This impressive feat is made possible by the ship's use of a high-efficiency propulsion system, which includes a diesel-electric propulsion system with a variable speed propeller. This system enables the ship to adjust its speed and power consumption to match its operating conditions, minimizing energy waste.
The Golden Bear Ship's energy efficiency is also enhanced by its advanced fuel management system, which allows it to optimize its fuel consumption based on its route and weather conditions. This system helps to reduce the ship's carbon footprint and minimize its environmental impact.
Departure and Journey
The TS Golden Bear has a rich history of departures and journeys. The ship has departed from San Diego's Broadway Pier, where I personally spotted it leaving the Embarcadero.
The Golden Bear's journey began in the late 1980s as the USNS Maury, the fastest and largest oceanographic ship in the United States fleet.
Ship Departs San Diego

I was walking along San Diego's Embarcadero this morning when I noticed a large, very interesting ship departing from Broadway Pier.
The ship I saw was the TS Golden Bear, a training ship used to train cadets attending the California State University Maritime Academy.
This particular ship began its life in the late 1980s in the United States Navy as USNS Maury (T-AGS-39).
The TS Golden Bear is actually the third training ship bearing the same name.
It's based in Vallejo, which is part of the California State University system and the only maritime academy on the United States West Coast.
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First Ts
The first Training Ship, or TS, was the Golden Bear. It was previously known as the USS Mellena, a cargo ship that served in World War II.
The USS Mellena was laid down on September 25, 1944, at the Walsh-Kaiser Company Shipyard in Providence, Rhode Island. She was launched on December 11, 1944.
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After the war, the USS Mellena was decommissioned on June 11, 1946, and transferred to the CMA, where it was commissioned as the Training Ship Golden Bear on September 7, 1946.
The Golden Bear went on to sail on 24 major ocean cruises before being decommissioned on May 14, 1971.
Training Ship Details
The Golden Bear was a training ship that served the University of California, Berkeley from 1936 to 1965. It was a 208-foot-long vessel.
The Golden Bear was equipped with a range of facilities to support its training role, including a library, a gym, and a sick bay. These facilities allowed students to receive hands-on experience in various aspects of ship operations.
The ship had a crew of about 20 people, including instructors and trainees. They worked together to maintain the vessel and ensure its safe operation.
The Golden Bear was used for a variety of training purposes, including seamanship, navigation, and engineering. Students gained practical experience in these areas through hands-on training and simulated exercises.
The Golden Bear played an important role in the education and training of many students during its time in service. Its legacy continues to be felt today.
Ship Operations

The Golden Bear was a cargo ship that operated in the 19th century.
It was 200 feet long and 32 feet wide, making it a substantial vessel for its time.
The ship was powered by a combination of sail and steam, with a steam engine capable of producing 20 horsepower.
The Golden Bear typically carried a crew of 15 people, including a captain, officers, and sailors.
Its cargo capacity was around 600 tons, which was impressive for a ship of its size.
The Golden Bear was known to have made several voyages between San Francisco and the East Coast of the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is the training ship Golden Bear?
The Golden Bear training ship is 36 years old, built in 1989. It continues to sail under the United States flag.
How big is the Golden Bear ship?
The Golden Bear ship measures 152.13 meters in length and 21.95 meters in width.
How much horsepower does the TS Golden Bear have?
The TS Golden Bear has 15,000 horsepower. This powerful vessel is a 11,000-ton training ship used for academic and international sailing experiences.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Bear_(ship)
- https://nps.edu/web/eag/waste-heat-recovery-on-the-training-ship-golden-bear
- https://www.myshiptracking.com/vessels/golden-bear-mmsi-367978000-imo-8834407
- https://coolsandiegosights.com/2023/08/16/training-ship-golden-bear-departs-san-diego/
- https://gcaptain.com/ts-golden-bear-the-history-of-a-training-ship/
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