USS NIAGARA CAPTAIN, CREW FIRED FOR POSING WITH "86-47" SIGNAL FLAGS (ERIE PA) [View all]
Last edited Sun Jul 5, 2026, 12:51 PM - Edit history (2)
Erie, Pa (WJET/WFXP)– The fallout from a controversial social media post has cost the captain of the Brig Niagara and several crewmembers their jobs.
State Senator Dan Laughlin told us on Friday it’s his understanding the captain and some crew members were relieved of their duties when the flagship reached Erie on Thursday.
Friday night, the communications director for the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission confirmed those employees are no longer with the Niagara.
In June, a photo was posted of crew members holding maritime signal flags to spell out 86-47, which some interpreted as a call to remove President Donald Trump..
PHMC is now looking for an interim captain for 2026 and a permanent captain to take command next year
https://www.yourerie.com/news/local-news/niagara-captain-some-crew-members-fired-laughlin/amp/
The Niagara was Oliver Perry's flagship in the Battle of Lake Erie" on September 10, 1813, in which he defeated the Kings Navy.
..........
"Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry sent this historic dispatch on September 10, 1813, to Maj. Gen. William Henry Harrison. It announced his decisive naval victory over the British fleet at the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812.The original, full message was: "Dear Gen'l: We have met the enemy, and they are ours. Two ships, two brigs, one schooner and one sloop. Yours with great respect and esteem."
An interesting historic side note -
"King George III was the official monarch of England (Great Britain) during the War of 1812. However, due to his severe mental illness, his son—the future King George IV—served as Prince Regent and actually ruled the country throughout the conflict."
Sound familiar?
This is a HUGE DEAL in Erie, the Niagra is the pride of the city.
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Contact Josh Shapiro -
https://www.pa.gov/form/governor/contact.html
Express your opinion to the PHMC HERE -
https://www.pa.gov/services/phmc/contact-the-pennsylvania-historical---museum-commission
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