Man with Fall River ties enhancing historical accuracy and functionality of ships at Battleship Cove

Fall River, MA – A collaboration is leading to ships at Battleship Cove being restored to their historical glory.

According to the Fall River Arts Project, Chandler Hearn, a recent graduate of IYRS’s Digital Modeling and Fabrication program in Newport, Rhode Island, has successfully installed custom-built belaying pins on the USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., a historic Gearing-class destroyer docked at Battleship Cove in Fall River, Massachusetts. This installation marks a significant achievement for Hearn, whose capstone project involved creating intricate parts for naval ships.

Battleship Cove, known as the world’s largest collection of World War II-era naval ships, provided an inspiring backdrop for Hearn’s project. Hearn’s work included the creation of powder room bell assemblies for the USS Massachusetts, a South Dakota-class battleship, and belaying pins for the USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. The belaying pins, which were essential for raising nautical flags to communicate with other vessels, were installed today in a ceremony honoring this innovative contribution to naval heritage.

Hearn’s passion for this project is deeply personal. “My grandfather, born and raised in Fall River, served in World War II and Korea, spending much of his time in the South Pacific,” Hearn said. “This project is my tribute to his legacy and to all those who served.”

The project was made possible through the support of IYRS, Fall River Arts Project, and Battleship Cove. Hearn expressed gratitude for their assistance, emphasizing the collaborative effort involved in bringing this project to fruition.

Next week, Hearn will continue his work by installing the powder room bell assemblies on the USS Massachusetts, further enhancing the historical accuracy and functionality of these revered ships.

For more information about Chandler Hearn’s project and the Fall River Arts Project, visit [FallRiverArtsProject.com](http://FallRiverArtsProject.com). 

Additional information about Battleship Cove can be found at [BattleshipCove.org](http://www.BattleshipCove.org).