For Christopher Lieffers, the inspiration behind Operation Black Sheep (OBS) was deeply personal. A veteran returning from an Army deployment in 2005, he found himself searching for purpose and peace in the unfamiliar rhythm of civilian life.

“I felt like I was in a place that I didn’t belong and wanted to find a new hobby as an outlet,” Lieffers shared. That outlet came in the form of an old ski boat he purchased in 2006, despite having never owned one before. “I almost went broke the first year I had it because we were just constantly out on the water,” he laughed. But the experience offered more than just fun. It provided healing and friendships that have lasted to this day.

Years later, Lieffers met fellow veteran Robert Bowyer in a history class at Muskegon Community College. “The first time I laid eyes on him, I could tell that he was on edge from those deployments,” he recalled. A shared understanding of the unique challenges veterans face quickly bonded the two. Lieffers introduced Bowyer to boating, and it made a lasting impact.

“He fell in love with it quickly,” Lieffers said.

Inspired by a mutual desire to honor veterans and challenge outdated stigmas, the duo launched Operation Black Sheep. One key motivation was to rewrite the narrative around veterans and mental health. “I had never liked the stigma that some people had in regard to veterans; that we are broken and dysfunctional,” Lieffers explained. “I felt that we were often the people that family, friends, and employers relied on when times get tough. 

We also both understood that our experience returning from war was drastically different than that of the Vietnam Veterans. Everyone was eager to shake our hands and thank us for our service versus the prior generation who would not wear uniforms around because of the negative reactions that they would get from the public.”

 After Bowyer graduated from college, he got the idea in his head that he wanted to get a PBR, which stands for ‘patrol boat river,’ and run that in Muskegon as a tribute to Vietnam veterans, to welcome them home, and because he has a passion for military history.

Through OBS, Lieffers and Bowyer aim to highlight veterans' strength and resilience while preserving an important piece of military history: the Patrol Boat River (PBR), a vessel famously used during the Vietnam War. Bowyer, with a passion for military history and a deep respect for Vietnam veterans, dreamed of restoring a PBR and running it in Muskegon. That dream became reality in the form of PBR 7331, now the centerpiece of Operation Black Sheep.

“We want to provide a place of healing and peace for veterans and civilians alike,” Lieffers said. “And we want to help preserve the history of PBRs and the brown water navy.”

Currently docked during the boating season near the USS LST 393 at 560 Mart St in downtown Muskegon, PBR 7331 offers more than just a glimpse into history. “We take people for rides on the boat and let that be a place where conversations can start,” Lieffers noted. Tours are available by appointment, and the boat is viewable from the LST ramp during regular hours. The group, made up entirely of volunteers, can be contacted via Facebook Messenger or at 231-726-0070. “We do ask that people be a little patient when contacting us,” Lieffers added. “We’re a small group doing this in our free time.”

OBS is also gearing up for an exciting event this summer: a reunion from August 22–24 that will bring together PBR veterans, enthusiasts, and supporters. “We’re still working out the details, but we hope to offer rides and access to the boat and other venues for a small fee,” said Lieffers.

Though headquartered in Muskegon, Operation Black Sheep has deep ties to Spring Lake. “A few of our volunteers, including myself, grew up in or have lived in the Spring Lake area,” Lieffers said. “This is where the love for the beaches, water, and boating really started.” In fact, PBR 7331 has even made the trip up the Grand River to the area.

“Spread the word,” Lieffers urged. Share our message with the veterans you know. Come see us. And if you’re able, consider donating. Since we’re all volunteers, every dollar goes directly toward the maintenance and operation of the boat and helps ensure future generations can experience this living piece of history.”

At its core, Operation Black Sheep is more than a tribute, it’s a testament to the power of purpose, community, and the water’s quiet ability to heal.