Coast Guard off Old Town Dock in Commencement Bay with five fire barges during a May 7, 1943 drill with the city's Fireboat #1. The fire barges are displaying streams of water used to extinguish marine fires. The three larger barges could pump 4,000 gallons a minute. The two smaller vessels in the center were designed for fighting fires under docks. They could pump 600 gallons a minute. (T.Times, 5/8/1943, pg. 3; 5/10/43, p.14.)

Fireboats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Coast defenses--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Military personnel--Tacoma;

On May 7, 1943, five Coast Guard fire fighting barges took part in a drill off the Old Town Dock, showing their ability to stamp out waterfront fires. Also participating in the drill was Tacoma's Fireboat #1. The three larger barges can be seen in the background with the two smaller ones, designed to fight fires under docks, in the center. (T. Times 5/8/1943, pg. 3)

Fireboats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Coast defenses--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Military personnel--Tacoma;

Tacoma's Fireboat #1, shown underway, participated in a May 7, 1943 drill, showing its effectiveness in fighting waterfront fires. The drill was part of a campaign to clean up debris along the waterfront, removing fodder for deliberately set fires. The number one enemy of our port and waterfront defense industries was fire. (T. Times 5/8.1943, pg. 3)

Fireboats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waterfronts--Tacoma--1940-1950; Commencement Bay (Wash.);

On May 7, 1943, five fire barges from the Coast Guard took part in a drill off the Old Town Dock. The drill was intended to show their ability to stamp out waterfront fires. The three larger barges are pictured. They could pump 4,000 gallons a minute. (T. Times 5/8/1943, pg. 3)

Fireboats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Commencement Bay (Wash.);

One of the three Coast Guard fire barges stationed to protect Tacoma's waterfront showed off its water pumping abilities in May of 1943. U.S. Coast Guard inspectors were visiting Tacoma to look for fire hazards and award "Good Housekeeping" pennants to the waterfront businesses that had eliminated fire hazards on their property. Accumulations of waste wood and bark, drifting logs and oil on pilings and bulkheads were the most serious problems found. The fire barges were propelled by two engines at the rear and could scoot around the waterfront at very rapid speed. (T. Times 5/10/1943 p.14)

Fireboats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Commencement Bay (Wash.);

One of the five Coast Guard fire barges stationed in Tacoma showed off its pumping ability during a May 7, 1943 drill. The barges were propelled by two engines at the rear and could move across the water very rapidly. (T. Times 5/8/1943, pg. 3)

Fireboats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Commencement Bay (Wash.);

View of USS Crockett. The USS Crockett was one of 17 gunboats in the Asheville class. Tacoma Boatbuilding had a government contract to build seven of these patrol gunboats, each costing 2.5 million dollars. The Crockett was the third to be launched. Nearly 165 feet in length, the Crockett could accelerate from 0 to 40 knots in 60 seconds. The aluminum ship had approximately 230 tons displacement weight and was powered by a gas turbine. It was launched at Tacoma Boatbuilding on June 4, 1966, with christening honors performed by Mrs. Charles Horjes of Tacoma. After service in South Vietnam, it would be transferred to the Naval Reserve Force in 1975 and decommissioned in 1976. (TNT 2-6-66, A-16; TNT 6-5-66, D-15; www.navsource.org/archives/12/11088.htm; www.hobbybarn.com/Dumas-pages/USS-Crocket-1218.htm)

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Gunboats--United States; Boats--Tacoma--1960-1970;

USS Crockett (PG-88) prior to launching. The Asheville Class gunboat was launched at Tacoma Boat Building on June 4, 1966. Powered by a gas turbine, the speedy ship would be commissioned on June 24, 1967, and stationed in South Vietnam where she would be used for coastal patrol, blockade reconnaissance and to give support. The nearly 165-foot gunboat would hold a complement of 4 officers and 33 enlisted men. Tacoma Boat Building had won a government contract to build seven of these Asheville Class vessels. (TNT 2-6-66, A-16, www.navsource.org/archives/12/11088.htm; www.hobbybarn.com/Dumas-pages/USS-Crocket-1218.htm)

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Gunboats--United States; Boats--Tacoma--1960-1970;

View of gill-netter, the Sweepstakes, on August 1, 1966. Photograph ordered by William Vine, Sumner.

Fishing boats--Tacoma;

With a mighty swing, Jeanne Martin Soares christens the new "Blue Pacific" on March 29, 1967. The vessel was launched at Tacoma Boat Building. She was a 176-foot steel tuna seiner built for Capt. Roger Soares of San Diego who placed her in operation for White Star- Van Camp Seafoods. The "Blue Pacific" was the largest tuna fishing boat built from the keel up at the time. She was constructed in the Port Industrial Yard (the former Tacoma Naval Station) by Tacoma Boat Building. Moments after the christening, the "Blue Pacific" eased down the ways and came to a standstill before she finally floated free. Five Foss tugs assisted when the boat was hung up. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boat Building. (TNT 3-12-67, A-23, TNT 3-29-67, A-1) TPL-9061 (Corrected identification provided by a reader)

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

Launching of the "Jeanette C." Built by Tacoma Boatbuilding, the tuna clipper "Jeanette C" was launched on June 6, 1967 at Tacoma Boatbuilding's Plant 2 in the Port Industrial Yard. View of lauching participants in front of the fishing boat, the second of four planned tuna seiners, and the sister ship to the 176-foot "Blue Pacific" previously launched on March 29th. 15-year-old Jeanette Caboz, daughter of skipper-to-be and part owner Manuel Caboz, holds a large bouquet of roses. She christened the ship that is named in her honor. Also pictured is Mrs. William Gillis who assisted Miss Caboz. Presiding at the launching was Tacoma Boat's president, Arnold J. Strom. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boatbuilding. (TNT 6-6-67, p. 26, TNT 6-7-67, C-4) TPL-8857

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

Floating cannery docked near Tacoma Marine Supply. The "Princess Roxane" was a former ferry known as the Tourist No. 3 that shuttled across the mouth of the Columbia River until the Astoria-Megler bridge was completed in 1966. After sale and renovation, she was renamed the "Princess Roxane," a self-propelled floating King crab processor. Her car deck had been fitted with live tanks with a capacity of 9,000 large size Alaska king crab and her passenger cabin was rebuilt to provide a crew of 18 with living and dining areas. She was part of the Pacific Pearl Seafoods and would join the floating shrimp cannery at Kodiak. Canning operations on board would be able to process 650 cases of 24 cans of crab each eight hour shift. (TNT 6-11-67, D-19,www.cimorelli.com/cgi-bin/magellanscripts/ship_bio1.asp?ShipName=Tourist +No.+3...) (Additional information provided by a reader)

Boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; Canneries;

The 154-foot tuna seiner, the J.M. Martinac, is underway on July 18, 1967. A small tugboat, probably from Foss, accompanies the much larger vessel. The J.M. Martinac, named after the founder of Martinac Shipbuilding, was built for San Diego skipper Lou Brito. She was launched on March 27, 1967. This photograph was believed to have been taken from the 11th Street Bridge. Photograph ordered by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. TPL-9125

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

Keeping pace with the new tuna seiner , the J.M. Martinac as she was underway on July 18, 1967, was the Richards Studio photographer on a Harbor Marina charter boat. The Martinac, built for skipper Lou Brito by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp., was heading for Southern California. She was 154 feet long and had a payload of 540 tons. Photograph ordered by the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. TPL-9133a

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

View from the 11th St. Bridge of the stern of the fishing vessel, the J.M. Martinac, as she is underway on July 18, 1967. Built by the Martinac Shipbuilding Corp., she was launched on March 27, 1967. The ship, piloted by Lou Brito, was headed for the San Diego area. This was the fifth tuna seiner built by Martinac for Capt. Brito. Photograph ordered by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. TPL-9126

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

Waves break over the bow of the J.M. Martinac, tuna seiner, on July 18, 1967, as she makes her way home to Southern California. The ship, built by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp., was launched on March 27th. She was the fifth fishing vessel built for Lou Brito of San Diego by Martinac, and was named after the company's founder. Photograph ordered by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding. TPL-9134c

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

Preparations are being made for the launching of the 177-foot tuna seiner, the "City of Panama" on February 3, 1968. She would be sliding down the ways at Port Industrial Yard. Built by Tacoma Boatbuilding for Roland Virissimo of San Diego, the "City of Panama" was the second in the Blue Pacific class to be launched in two weeks, after "Bold Venture" on January 20th. The "City of Panama" was powered by a 2,075-horsepower electromotive diesel and could carry up to 925 tons of tuna. She would be used to fish in the waters near Puerto Rico. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boatbuilding. (TNT 1-30-68, p. 18) TPL-9129

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

Drew Foss (2nd from L) is joined by his mother and father, Agnes and Henry Foss and Anthony J. Martinolich (farthest L) during the launching of the towboat Claudia Foss on February 24, 1968, at Martinolich Shipbuilding's Taylor Way yard. The 80-foot vessel was built for Foss Launch & Tug and had a 25-foot beam. It was the first of two towboats being built for Foss; the second, another 80-foot vessel, was scheduled for a May launching. The Fosses kept the tradition of naming their boats after members of the family; the Claudia Foss was named for the daughter-in-law of Barbara Foss Campbell, Wedell Foss' daughter. Photograph ordered by Martinolich Shipbuilding. (TNT 2-25-68, A-8)

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Tugboats--Tacoma--1960-1970; Foss Launch & Tug Co. (Tacoma); Foss, Henry O., 1891-1986; Foss, Agnes S.; Foss, Drew; Martinolich, Anthony J.

The little tug, the Brynn Foss, trails after the newly launched towboat, the Claudia Foss, on February 24, 1968. The 80-foot vessel was built by Martinolich Shipbuilding for Foss Launch & Tug and slipped into the water at its Taylor Way yard. Her keel was laid on December 1, 1967. Delivery of the vessel was scheduled for April 1st. The Claudia Foss was the first of two 80-foot boats being built for Foss with the second, the Martha Foss, scheduled for a May 15, 1968, launching. She was named for Mrs. Duncan (Claudia) Campbell, daughter-in-law of Barbara Foss Campbell. (TNT 2-25-68, A-8)

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tugboats--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Foss Launch & Tug Co. (Tacoma);

Civilians and military personnel gathered for the launching of the USS Tacoma, the fourth vessel to bear the city's name, on April 13, 1968. The 165-foot aluminum-hulled boat was the eighth in a series of twelve patrol gunboats built for the Navy by Tacoma Boat Building. It would probably be deployed off the coast of Vietnam. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boat Building Co.

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Gunboats--United States; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

The stern of the USS Tacoma. The USS Tacoma was successfully launched, bow-first, into the waters of Commencement Bay on April 13, 1968. The PG-92 was the eighth in a series of twelve Asheville Class patrol gunboats being built by Tacoma Boat Building for the U.S. Navy. The sleek boat was powered by two 750-horsepower diesels for normal cruising conditions and turbine for high speeds in excess of 40 knots. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (TNT 4-14-68, A-4)

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Gunboats--United States; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Ship's sponsor. The U.S. Navy patrol gunboat, the "Tacoma," is ready for launching into Commencement Bay on April 13, 1968. Mrs. Arne Strom, the ship's sponsor, is holding a bouquet of longstem red roses. Her husband, standing next to her, is the chairman of the board of Tacoma Boat Building. Mrs. Strom would have the honor of christening the new vessel with the traditional bottle of champagne. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boat Building Co. (TNT 4-14-68, A-4)

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Gunboats--United States; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Strom, Arne; Strom, Arne--Family;

View of the tuna seiner "Conquest" prior to launching. A crew member peers over the bunting-decorated bow. Built by the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corporation, the 165-foot fishing vessel was ready to be launched on October 23, 1968. She was powered by a 2800-horsepower diesel engine and had a frozen fish capacity of 650 tons. The "Conquest" would be delivered to her owner, Joseph Madruga, in early 1969. The ship's captain was Richard Madruga, Joseph Madruga's brother. Photograph ordered by the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (TNT 10-24-68, A-3) TPL-9193

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

A smiling Mrs. Joseph Madruga poses in front of the tuna seiner, "Conquest," on October 23, 1968. The 165-foot fishing vessel, built by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corporation, was launched that day. Mrs. Madruga, clutching an enormous bouquet of long stem red roses, was the ship's sponsor and christened the "Conquest" with the traditional bottle of champagne. She was the wife of the boat's managing owner. Assisting Mrs. Madruga in the christening was Mrs. Richard Madruga, wife of the ship's captain. The Madruga brothers would fish for canneries in the San Pedro, California, area. Designed for a crew of 14, she would be delivered to her owner in early 1969. Photograph ordered by the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (TNT10-24-68, A-3) TPL-9223

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

Boat launching. Standing in front of the new fishing boat, the "Conquest," were the principal parties honored at the ship's launching on October 23, 1968. From L-R are J.S. Martinac, Mrs. Joseph Madruga, Mr. Madruga, and an unidentified man. The 165-foot vessel was built by the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corporation for Joseph Madruga. Mrs. Madruga, holding a bouquet of long stem red roses, was the ship's sponsor. After undergoing sea trials, the "Conquest" would be delivered to the Madrugas in January of 1969. She would fish in the San Pedro, California, area, with Richard Madruga, Joseph's brother, as captain. Photograph ordered by the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (TNT 10-24-68, A-3) TPL-9194

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

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);

A different kind of launching than what is usually photographed occurred at the "Trap Servicing" boat launching held at the Port of Tacoma's industrial yard. Instead of immense fishing boats or Navy gunboats, this launching featured a small 36-foot workboat built for use at Tacoma City Light's Mossyrock Dam. A large crane steadily lowers the vessel on November 13, 1968. Peterson Boatbuilding Co. was the prime contractor of the $61,400 craft; Star Marine Industries subcontracted the hull. Photograph ordered by Star Marine Industries. (TNT 11-14-68, C--8)

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

A small "Trap Servicing" boat built for use at Tacoma City Light's Mossyrock Dam is successfully launched on November 13, 1968. Two men appear to be disconnecting the cables from the large crane that had carefully lowered the workboat into the Port Industrial Waterway. The 36-foot craft was built for $61,400 wtih Peterson Boatbuilding Co. as prime contractor and with Star Marine Industries subcontracting the hull. Photograph ordered by Star Marine Industries. (TNT 11-14-68, C-8)

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hoisting machinery; Star Marine Industries (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;

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;