10/02/2026
This week, we took a big step in a long awaited project to expand our business and our mission.
At the core of Chicago Fireboat Tours are 2 Navy Veterans, who like many of our Veteran brothers and sisters, struggled and/or continue to struggle, after completing their time in service. These struggles can range from finding employment, to mental health issues, substance abuse, family or financial problems, to a general sense of purpose in life, after having such a big sense belonging while in the military.
Over the past 8 seasons through talking with many Veteran passengers, and being involved in Veteran organizations, we learned more about how many other Veterans struggle as well.
While there are great people in many roles who provide assistance and care to our veterans, there is still a major disconnect with the structures and systems that provide that care, and the current needs of Veterans from the most recent 25 years of military conflict. We hope to create a space and community for these Veterans.
In true Navy fashion, we spent most of thday haze gray and underway, looking at nothing but water on the horizon, while delivering our next vessel from Chicago to Grand Haven Michigan, to help get her in shape for its new mission. The YP 671 has spent its life serving as a training vessel, so we’re going to continue that service, helping to train Veterans find their place in a diverse maritime industry that shares many aspects of military life.
We look forward to sharing more about this project soon, as well as pictures and videos from the work being done on the next vessel in our fleet. It’s definitely another unique one, and can’t wait to see it back on the Chicago waterfront to share it with y’all!
Thanks to our delivery crew and fellow Navy Veteran Pat Farrell for keeping us on track!
