What do enamel bars, stars, stripes and cannons have in common? Well, Pirates of course! The Pirate Ship Black Raven lowered her  gangplank to welcome aboard fine servicemen and women who have protected not only our country, but England as well.

Richard Willich saw the mighty Black Raven and saw opportunity. Given the option of having a mundane cookout at his house or a pirate-infused thrilling escapade on a genuine Spanish Galleon, its easy to see which he chose. Aboard with him were over 80 Royal Marines, Royal Navy and US Marines personnel. And did they know how to show up in style! With Jim Sloan, a local Bagpiper, leading the troops and a British flag high overhead, the recruits stormed the Black Raven and commandeered the ship, replacing the Jolly Roger with their own Union Jack.

With fine food provided by Aunt Kate’s restaurant out of Vilano Beach, the troops were entertained by Oly Mackerel, William Mayhem and Kathy McCarthy while Jumpin’ JoJo and Scurvy Sam offered up sweet refreshments on the hot summer day. With Mr. Willich eying the Fort as his next objective, the mighty ship sailed north to launch an attack on the Spanish soldiers residing there with their cannons. With the intimidating 12-pound muzzle loader on the fort’s upper banks and the Black Raven’s own sleek breach-loader aimed back at it, the two guns exchanged a ferocious volley. The entire entourage joined in to give the command to fire and those on the land were left speechless at the sheer force of the attack!

When the mighty exchange of cannon blasts had settled down, the merriment could commence. For this was truly an auspicious event that Mr. Willich and his troops had come to celebrate. As a Marine himself, Richard had seen his fair share of service and sacrifice. So much of it, in fact, that his life story was set to be on the silver screen. The gathering of Marines and Navy personnel was to commemorate his exploits as a Marine, and to give some much needed rest and relaxation to the travel-weary troops. In his generosity, this dedicated Marine had decided to give back to those who still serve their countries.

At the end of the 2-hour charter, the troops and the crew were loathe to part, but all had found victory and fun while aboard.