We get to see a glimpse of the world’s history not only from books but more from people who lived at that moment.
When talking about history, one of the most monumental moments was World War II.
Although WW2 was a bloodbath, it was that time when real soldiers were made and countries bravely fought for their liberty.
Even today, World War II’s remnants are still around us, and lucky are those who get to see it every single day.
One of these lucky people is Desiree Heveroh, a shipkeeper, who resided aboard the SS Red Oak, a volunteer role that demanded her attention to routine maintenance, basic security, and overall oversight of the vessel.
The ship relied solely on donations and event patronage, all volunteer-driven, with no paid positions available. So, when Desiree found herself hauling buckets of water from a leaky winter, it was purely out of love for her home.
Born and raised in Richmond, Desiree had unwittingly become a historian of sorts for her hometown. Prior to her life on the Red Oak, she served as the executive director of the Richmond Museum Association and even worked as the innkeeper at the East Brother Light Station.
Her unconventional life aboard an old warship was a testament to her adventurous and curious spirit.
“I’ve never been a normal person,” she proudly proclaimed.
Desiree’s journey to calling the former Allied Forces Supply ship her home was anything but straightforward. With a background in dentistry, she veered off course, seeking a life filled with adventure and unique experiences.
Burning Man in 2013 sparked a realization within her, and gradually, she transitioned away from dentistry, delving into various ventures around Richmond.
Her connection to the East Brother Light Station was magnetic, a feeling she couldn’t quite describe.
Fate will always find its way.
Despite several failed attempts to become the station’s innkeeper, circumstances finally aligned in 2020, leading her to spend 14 months living there, two of which were without power.
Then, a call from her old board at the RMA changed the course of her life again. They needed a shipkeeper for the SS Red Oak, and Desiree eagerly accepted, knowing she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to care for a ship she loved dearly.
The SS Red Oak held a significant place in history, built in just 87 days at Richmond’s Kaiser shipyards during World War II.
As Desiree toured the ship, she shared its remarkable stories, from its role as an ammunition carrier in major battles to its later service in transporting military cargo during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
Living on the ship provided Desiree with a unique perspective on history and a chance to share its stories with others.
What it’s like to live in a piece of history.
From turning one of the cargo holds into a makeshift movie theater to navigating the challenges of daily life aboard a 450-foot cargo ship, Desiree embraced it all with a mix of humor and determination.
Despite the challenges of living on the ship, Desiree felt grateful for the opportunity. She cherished every moment, aware that such experiences were not forever.
While the Red Oak was her primary residence, she also called another historic landmark in Richmond home, living rent-free and continuing to embrace the adventure that life had to offer.
Learn more about this story by watching the video below.
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