Side-and-rear view of the "SES-100A," a revolutionary 100-ton prototype craft produced in conjunction with Tacoma Boatbuilding Co., Aerojet-General Corporation of California, and the U.S. Navy. The ship was christened by Mrs. Warren G. Magnuson in ceremonies occurring on July 24, 1971, at Tacoma Boatbuilding facilities. According to the Christening Ceremony Program, the high-speed Surface Effect Ship (SES) was to be tested to provide data for design of multi-thousand ton SES of the future. It was built from several modern materials, principally of a welded aluminum alloy, so that it would have longevity at sea. Ship construction and outfitting was done by Tacoma Boatbuilding. Photograph ordered by Reynolds Metal, Portland. ("Christening Ceremony Program")

Launchings--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Ground-effect machines; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);