Boat launching. The Hawaii-bound ferry, YFB-87, was successfully launched at Western Boat Building's new facilities on the Hylebos Waterway on December 18, 1969. The 165-foot car and passenger ferry had a 38 car/500 passenger capacity. Built for the U.S. Navy, she would be towed to Hawaii in May of 1970, for use traveling to and from Ford Island to Pearl Harbor. Photograph ordered by Western Boat Building Co. (TNT 12-19-69, A-3)

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Ferries; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

The YFB-87, built for the U.S. Navy, was the first vessel launched from Western Boat Building's new shipbuilding plant at 1720 Marine View Dr. N.E. on the Hylebos Waterway. The 165-foot ferry, christened by Mary Petrich, slid down the ways on December 18, 1969. This ferry was not built to operate in Washington waters but instead was towed to Hawaii where she was used for the Pearl Harbor - Ford Island runs. She was completed in May, 1970 and christened "Moko Holo Hele" which means "Ship that goes back and forth". YFB-87 is no longer in service between Pearl Harbor and Ford Island. She went out of service when the Admiral Bernard "Chick" Clarey Bridge opened in April, 1998. (Photograph ordered by Western Boat Building Co.) (TNT 12-19-69, A-3)

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Ferries; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

Boat launching. Mary Petrich, daughter of Western Boat Building vice-president James Petrich, christens the new Pearl-Harbor bound YFB-87 ferry on December 18, 1969. The traditional bottle of champagne has exploded upon impact. The YFB-87 ferry was the first vessel launched at Western Boat's new shipbuilding plant on the Hylebos Waterway. Photograph ordered by Western Boat Building Co. (TNT 12-19-69, A-3)

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Ferries; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma); Petrich, Mary;

Boat launching. The 160-foot all-aluminum ferry, the "Avalon," was successfully launched on October 25, 1969, by Martinolich Shipbuilding from their plant on the Port Industrial Waterway. The sleek vessel had a 27-foot beam and tipped the scale at 182 tons displacement. Four marine gas turbines powered the twin variable-pitch propellors. The "Avalon" was built for Holiday Services for use in shuttling passengers to Santa Catalina, about 26 miles from Los Angeles. She could carry up to 500 passengers with speeds of 25-28 knots. Built for more than $2,000,000, the "Avalon" would be delivered to the San Pedro area about two weeks after its launch date. Mrs. Robert Sprague, wife of one of the ship's owners, had christened the vessel with the traditional bottle of champagne. Photograph ordered by Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp. (TNT 10-12-69, D-12; TNT 10-27-69, p. 6) tnt (A)-052A

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Ferries--Tacoma--1960-1970; Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Boat launching. Mrs. Robert Sprague of Los Angeles performs the customary duties of ship sponsor as she christens the new all-aluminum ferry, "Avalon," at Martinolich Shipbuilding, on the Port Industrial Waterway, on October 25, 1969. Mrs. Sprague was the wife of one of the ship's owners. The "Avalon" was the largest all-aluminum passenger ferry ever built and would be delivered to Holiday Services in San Pedro, California, two weeks after launching. The ferry, with a 27-foot beam, could carry up to 500 people at once. She would be used to shuttle passengers to Santa Catalina, some 26 miles from Los Angeles. With a maximum speed of 28 knots, the "Avalon" would replace outdated and too expensive steamships. Martinolich built a big new shipshed, with height of 40-feet, to house the ferry while under construction. Photograph ordered by Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp. (TNT 11-20-68, p. 1; TNT 10-12-69, D-12; TNT 10-27-69, p. 6)

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Ferries--Tacoma--1960-1970; Sprague, Robert--Family;

Post-launching. The "Mary Antoinette" was successfully launched at 4:45 p.m. on October 11, 1969. A small tug is shown guiding the fishing boat in the waters of the City (now Thea Foss) Waterway with the Washington Building with Bank of California large neon sign and Puget Sound National Bank's spire as background. The "Mary Antoinette" was built by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding for owner and captain John Zolezzi, Jr. of San Diego. Photograph ordered by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding. (TNT 10-12-69, A-12) TPL-9448

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tugboats--Tacoma--1960-1970; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Washington Building (Tacoma); Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma);

Pre-launching. The family of Capt. John Zolezzi, Jr., owner and skipper of the "Mary Antoinette" happily posed for a group portrait standing before the new tuna seiner on October 11, 1969. Mrs. Zolezzi, holding the traditional spray of red roses, was the ship's sponsor. The Zolezzis hailed from the San Diego area. The "Mary Antoinette" was built by local firm J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding. Photograph ordered by the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. TPL-9449

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; Zolezzi, John; Zolezzi, John--Family; Roses--Tacoma; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

This is the newly constructed office building at Tacoma Boatbuilding's new plant on the Hylebos Waterway. The company built a three million dollar facility on Marine View Dr. in 1969 to replace its Sitcum Waterway plant which was completely destroyed by fire in August of 1968. One of its near neighbors was Western Boat Building who had permanently moved to a seven-acre site on the Hylebos after its longtime plant on 11th St. was gutted by fire in October of 1965. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boatbuilding. (Additional information provided by a reader)

Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Office buildings--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Boat launching. The "Anna Maria, " built by Tacoma Boatbuilding, photographed in pre-launch status on September 20, 1969. At 191-feet, the steel-hulled "Anna Maria" was the largest vessel of its type built at that time. She would have a frozen fish capacity of 1100-ton. Captain Roland Virissimo of San Diego would be her skipper. After the 1:30 p.m. launching from the Tacoma Boat plant 2 in the Port Industrial Yard, a reception would be held at Tacoma Boat's new plant at 1840 Marine View Dr. Color photograph ordered by Tacoma Boatbuilding. (TNT 3-19-69, D-5; TNT 3-21-69, A-10) TPL-9408 B&W

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Boat launching. The "Anna Maria" was successfully launched in the early afternoon of September 20, 1969. She is being maneuvered into Commencement Bay by three tugs. The contrast in size is readily apparent; the "Anna Maria," at 191 feet, was the largest tuna boat yet built and had a 1100-ton frozen fish capacity. Capt. Roland Virissimo would operate the vessel built by Tacoma Boat from the San Diego area. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boatbuilding. (TNT 3-19-69, D-5; TNT 3-21-69, A-10) TPL-9407

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tugboats--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Boat launching. Posing with a beribboned spray of red roses is Anne (Mrs. John S.) McGowan, who was the sponsor of the new fishing boat, the "Anne M." The "Anne M" was launched on Saturday night, June 14, 1969, at the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp.'s yard on the City (now Thea Foss) Waterway. The 165-foot tuna seiner was the sister ship of the "Conquest," delivered the previous year. The "Anne M" will fish on behalf of Bumble Bee Seafoods in the Astoria waters. She will be captained by Frank Souza of San Diego. Photograph ordered by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (TNT 6-16-69, p. 29) TPL-9403

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; McGowan, Anne; Roses--Tacoma; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Boat launching. The bow of the 165-foot tuna seiner, the "Anne M," looms over the guest speaker at her launching ceremonies on June 14, 1969. The "Anne M" is the sixth in a series built by the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corporation. She has a 2800 h.p. diesel main engine and expects to exceed 14 knots. Carrying a crew of 14, she will be captained by Frank Souza of San Diego. Capt. Souza has been master and owner of several other tuna vessels including the "Mary S," "Southern Pacific," and "Antoinette B." The new seiner will be fishing out of Astoria, Oregon, for Bumble Bee Seafoods, a division of Castle and Cooke. Expected delivery to her new owners is late August of 1969. Photograph ordered by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (TNT 6-16-69, p. 29) TPL-9405

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Spectators--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Boat launching. With a mighty swing, Mrs. John S. McGowan christens the new fishing boat named in her honor, the "Anne M," with the traditional bottle of champagne during evening ceremonies on June 14, 1969. The 165-foot tuna seiner was the sixth in a series of fishing vessels built by the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. Mrs. McGowan is the wife of the president of Bumble Bee Seafoods. The "Anne M" will fish in Astoria waters for Bumble Bee. Photograph ordered by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding. (TNT 6-16-69, p. 29) TPL-9402

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; McGowan, John S.--Family; McGowan, Anne; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Boat launching. A large standing crowd spills out onto the grounds of the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corporation yard on the evening of June 14, 1969, as they attentively listen to pre-launching speeches. The "Anne M, " a 165-foot tuna seiner, would shortly slip down the ways into City (now Thea Foss) Waterways. She has a 650-ton frozen fish capacity and would fish in the waters around Astoria for Bumble Bee Seafoods. Captain Frank Souza is the master of the ship. Scheduled delivery of the "Anne M" to her owners is for late August of 1969. Photograph ordered by the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (TNT 6-16-69, p. 29) TPL-9404

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Spectators--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Propeller of "Cape San Vincent." The "Cape San Vincent" was launched in the pre-dawn hours of March 20, 1969, into the City Waterway. The tuna seiner was built by the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corporation for Edmund A. Gann of California. The 165-foot fishing boat could carry a crew of 14 and was equipped with a 2800 horsepower General Motors diesel main engine. She had a 650-ton frozen tuna capacity and was scheduled to be delivered to her owner in late spring. Photograph ordered by the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (TNT 3-9-69, C-27; TNT 3-20-69, C-16) TPL-9398

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Launching of the "Cape San Vincent." The "Cape San Vincent" was successfully launched in the early morning hours of March 20, 1969, from the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding yard. She slid down the ways into the City Waterway. Martinac Shipbuilding was busy at this time with five tuna seiners under construction, three of them built with federal funds. The "Cape San Vincent," 165 feet in length, could carry a crew of 14. She would be turned over to her owner, Edward A. Gann of Southern California, in late spring and used to fish in the San Pedro area. Photograph ordered by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (TNT 3-9-69, C-27; TNT 3-20-69, C-16) TPL-9397

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Boat launching. Mrs. Edmund A. Gann of California did the honors in christening the 165-foot tuna seiner, "Cape San Vincent," at 5:30 a.m. on March 20, 1969 at the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding's yard. She is pictured breaking the traditional bottle of champagne across the ship's bow. Mrs. Gann is the wife of the "Cape San Vincent's" owner. Photograph ordered by the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (TNT 3-9-69, C-27; TNT 3-20-69, C-16) TPL-9394

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Gann, Edmund A.--Family;

Boat launching. An interested crowd listens as launching ceremonies continue pre-dawn on March 20, 1969, at the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding yard. The "Cape San Vincent," a 165-foot tuna seiner, awaits launching on the City Waterway. The ship, with a frozen tuna capacity of 650 tons, is scheduled for delivery to owner Edward A. Gann in late spring. She will be used to fish in the San Pedro, California, waters. The "Cape San Vincent" is one of five tuna seiners under construction at Martinac Shipbuilding; three of these are being built under a federal subsidy program. Photograph ordered by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corporation. (TNT 3-9-69, C-27, TNT 3-20-69, C-16) TPL-9396

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; Public speaking--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Boat sponsor. Cradling the traditional spray of long stem red roses, Mrs. Edmund A. Gann poses in front of her husband's new fishing boat, the "Cape San Vincent" on March 20, 1969. Mrs. Gann was the ship's sponsor and performed the christening duties upon the 165-foot tuna seiner. The vessel had a 650-ton frozen tuna capacity and was scheduled for delivery later in the spring. J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. built the "Cape San Vincent;" it was one of five tuna seiners under construction at the Martinac yard. Photograph ordered by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (TNT 3-9-69, C-27; TNT 3-20-69, C-16) TPL-9395

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Gann, Edmund A.--Family; Roses--Tacoma;

Work is being done on a boat with a Seacrete application at Star Marine Industries during February of 1969. This view shows the vessel's bow. Star Marine Industries was the marine division of Star Iron & Steel. Photograph ordered by Star Marine Industries.

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boats--Tacoma; Star Marine Industries (Tacoma);

Unnamed boat under construction at Star Marine Industries. This vessel would be made of ferro-cement, specifically Seacrete. Photograph of the ship's hull was taken on February 19, 1969, for Star Marine Industries, the marine division of Star Iron & Steel.

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; Star Marine Industries (Tacoma);

Launching sponsor. Miss Tacoma of 1969, Terri Louise Bale, raises her wrapped bottle of champagne prior to christening the Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp.'s new tugboat, the "Betsy L," on Saturday, December 21, 1968. The tugboat was built for Knappton Towing Co. of Portland. Miss Bale, age 19 and a Tacoma Community College freshman, was crowned Miss Tacoma on November 30, 1968 at the Fellowship Hall. A self-taught pianist, she won the talent contest. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard G. Bale. Photograph ordered by Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp. (TNT 12-1-68, p. 1, TNT 12-2-68, p. 6, TNT 12-22-68, C-19)

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Tugboats--Tacoma--1960-1970; Bale, Terri Louise; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Terri Louise Bale, wearing her crown as Miss Tacoma, closes her eyes against the spray of champagne as she christens the new Martinolich built tugboat, the "Betsy L," on December 21, 1968 at Martinolich Shipbuilding's Taylor Way shipyard. The tug was built for Knappton Towing Company of Portland, Oregon. Miss Bale was crowned Miss Tacoma for 1969 by the Tacoma Jaycees in November, 1968. (Photograph ordered by Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp.) (TNT 12-22-68, p. C-19)

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tugboats--Tacoma--1960-1970; Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Bale, Terri Louise; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Launching. Champagne sprays across the bow of the "Kerri M" as she is christened on December 14, 1968, at the Port Industrial Yard. 10-year-old Kerri Medina, daughter of captain/owner Harold Medina, did the honors. The $1.8 million dollar fishing boat was scheduled for delivery to her San Diego owner early in 1969. The "Kerri M" was the last of a series of three federally subsidized tuna seiners built by Tacoma Boatbuilding. The U.S. Maritime Commission paid 48% of the cost under the Fishing Fleet Improvement Act of 1964. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boatbuilding. (TNT 12-15-68, C-23) TPL-9221

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Medina, Kerri;

Launching. Proudly standing before the ship bearing her name, 10-year-old Kerri Medina cradles a bouquet of long stem red roses and a wrapped bottle of champagne. Kerri would be the fishing boat's sponsor and would christen the vessel's bow with the champagne. Standing next to Kerri is her sister, Judy; she probably acted as the sponsor's attendant. Kerri's father, Harold Medina of San Diego, was the ship's captain/owner. The 176-foot tuna seiner cost $1.8 million; nearly half of the cost was paid by the federal government under the Fishing Fleet Improvement Act of 1964. (TNT 12-15-68, C-23) TPL-9222

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Medina, Kerri; Roses--Tacoma;

Launching. One week after her sister-ship the "Cheryl Marie" slid down the ways at the Port Industrial Yard, the "Kerri M" was successfully launched at 11:30 a.m. on December 14, 1968. She was the last of a series of three federally subsidized tuna seiners built by Tacoma Boatbuilding, each costing $1.8 million. The 176-foot fishing boat was scheduled for delivery early in 1969 to owner Harold Medina of San Diego. The vessel was named after the 10-year-old daughter of the captain/owner. (TNT 12-15-68, C-23) TPL-9220

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Launching party. Clutching the traditional bouquet of long stem red roses is Mary (Mrs. John) Silveira who was the sponsor of the tuna seiner, "Cheryl Marie," which was launched at 7:45 a.m. on December 7, 1968. Next to her is Mary (Mrs. Joe) Silveira who was her attendant. Both women are warmly dressed against the winter cold in knee-length coats with fur trim. Color photograph ordered by Tacoma Boatbuilding. TPL-9219

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Silveira, John--Family; Silveira, Mary; Silveira, Joe--Family; Roses--Tacoma;

The tug Brynn Foss assists in the launching of the tuna seiner, "Cheryl Marie," in the early morning of December 7, 1968. The 176-foot fishing boat was one of three being built at Tacoma Boatbuilding with the U.S. Maritime Commission paying 48% of the cost under the Fishing Fleet Improvement Act of 1964. Each vessel would cost $1.8 million. The "Cheryl Marie" was owned and captained by John Silveira. She would be turned over to Captain Silveira in February of 1969. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boatbuilding. (TNT 11-24-68, B-19) TPL-9218

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Tugboats--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Cheryl Marie launching party. The 176-foot tuna seiner, "Cheryl Marie," was launched on December 7, 1968, at 7:45 a.m., at the Port Industrial Yard. Standing beside the vessel are the Silveira family and Father Gerard Morin. L-R: Cheryl Silveira, Gary Silveira, Father Gerald Morin, Denise Marie Silveira, ship's sponsor Mary (Mrs. John) Silveira, Skipper/owner John Silveira, John Silveira, Jr., sponsor's attendant Mary (Mrs. Joe) Silveira, Mrs. Joe Silveira, Sr., and Joe Silveira, Sr. The "Cheryl Marie" was one of three federally subsidized fishing boats being built at Tacoma Boatbuilding. Each boat cost $1.8 million. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boatbuilding. (TNT 11-24-68, B-19, TNT 12-7-68, p. 3) TPL-9446

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Silveira, John; Silveira, John--Family; Morin, Gerald; Silveira, Joe; Silveira, Joe--Family;

Two men are boarding the small craft "Mary Ann" as a third man yanks a cable on the newly launched "Trap Servicing" vessel built for Tacoma City Light for use when completed at Mossyrock Dam. The workboat was successfully launched at the Port of Tacoma's Industrial Yard on November 13, 1968. Photograph ordered by Star Marine Industries.

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; Star Marine Industries (Tacoma);