December 18, 1942 was a very special day for Tacoma Boat Building. The company launched its newest minesweeper YMS 244 and received an Army/Navy "E" award flag. The "E" award was given for excellence in war production. The famous flag with the big "E" emblazoned on it became a badge of patriotism in action. The award consisted of a flag to be flown over the plant and a lapel pin for every employee within the plant. During the ceremony, an unidentified military officer makes a speech before a crowd of around 200. Music for the ceremony was supplied by the Coast Artillery Band.
Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);
Before a crowd of about 200, Tacoma Boat Building launched the YMS 244 on December 18, 1942. Later in the day, the company was presented with an "E Award" flag for excellence in the wartime production of minesweepers. More than 4,000 "E Pennants" were present to plants during WWII. They were a visible recognition of the patriotism and devotion of the company and its employees. (T. Times 12/19/1942, pg. 1)
Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);
Hull #213 was under construction at Martinolich Shipbuilding in February of 1936. The firm was well known for their building of purse seiners. A big fishing fleet of at least 12 purse seiners was under contract in Tacoma's three yards and six more were expected to be started by the end of January, 1936. The Martinolich-Cosulich plant had recently been erected at the south end of City Waterway and had four contracts for fishing craft. G37.1-149 (TNT 1-18-36, p. 1-article)
Tacoma Boat Facilities. Tacoma Boat Building Company is working on its 18th minesweeper for the government. They are one of two shipyards in Tacoma to be honored with the Army-Navy "E" pennant. Interior view of workshop showing laborers at work. TPL-6647
Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma;
Tacoma Boat Facilities. Tacoma Boatbuilding Co. was started in 1936 by H. Dahl and A. Strom. The partners wanted to build fishing vessels for North Pacific Fishermen. In 1941 they signed a contract to build government boats and moved to a larger, newly expanded plant at the head of the City Waterway. Interior view of workshop and laborer. TPL-6645
Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);
