Broadside view of Boeing's PCH-1 hydrofoil, High Point, at Martinac Shipbuilding. The High Point was launched on August 17, 1962, in the presence of Boeing longtime president William M. Allen. Realizing that water and air present similar challenges in control, stability, electronics, hydraulics and propulsion, the Boeing Co. began to use many of the systems found in jet airplanes, adapted, for hydrofoils. The High Point was the first launched in 1962 at Martinac Shipbuilding in Tacoma; it slid into City Waterway during high tide. (www.boeing.com/history; TNT 8-18-62, A-1)

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

Broadside view of Navy minesweeper MSC 299 at Tacoma Boat Building on January 26, 1963. Vessel was launched at 4:30 that afternoon; champagne honors by Mrs. James B. Burrow. The 140' non-magnetic minesweeper was the second of a series of four being built for the Navy by Tacoma Boat Building. (TNT 1-27-63, A-2)

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

Boatbuilder attaching wooden ribs to keel. This is possibly Tacoma Boat Building. Photograph ordered by West Coast Lumber Association. TPL-5546.

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boats--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Progress March 3, 1961, photograph of a lone worker who appears to be sanding down the ribs that will be connected to the rest of a boat. This may be at Tacoma Boat. Photograph ordered by West Coast Lumber Association. TPL-9393

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boats--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Boat under construction. Progress photographs of a fishing boat under construction were taken on March 3, 1961, at Martinac Shipbuilding on behalf of West Coast Lumber Association. TPL-9121

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boats--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Martinac Shipbuilding launching of #133, the Royal Pacific, occurred on May 16, 1961. View of boat; another boat, possibly a tug, the Edward A. Young, is to the left. The $600,000 Royal Pacific was the first tuna clipper to be built in Tacoma in ten years. It was also the first tuna clipper to be built from the keel up as a seine-type tuna vessel. The 142' vessel had a capacity of 425 tons of tuna under refrigeration. It was powered by a 1600-horsepower opposing piston engine. The crew of 13 would be skippered by Lou Brito, who would be transferring from Martinac-owned Southern Pacific tuna vessel. (TNT 5-17-61, A-5) TPL-9056

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

The Brynn Foss tug gently guides the MSC-290 minesweeper, Gannet II, after its launching on May 26, 1960, at Tacoma Boat Building. It would be commissioned in the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard a year later, on July 11, 1961, and eventually be sent to monitor the waters of Japan and Vietnam. The MSC-290 was the sixth of seven coastal mindsweepers built by Tacoma Boat Building under contract with the Navy. It was christened by Mrs. F.P. Luongo. (TNT 5-27-60, p. 3)

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

Launching of the MSC 279 by Tacoma Boat Building Co. The MSC 279 was the third 144ft minesweeper to be launched by the boat builder under the current contract. It was launched into the Sitcum Waterway at 2:30p.m. on Saturday, February 21st, 1959. Mrs. Paul Vetrees, wife of the company's chief engineer, was the sponsor and their eight year old daughter Cathy was the flower girl. (TNT 2/15/1959, pg. B-9)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Tacoma Boat Building launched MSC-277, a 145-foot minesweeper built for the Navy, on June 30, 1958, in Sitcum Waterway. During the early 1950's, Tacoma's shipbuilding companies had garnered several contracts to build vessels for the government. This wooden minesweeper, however, was the first to be formally launched in nearly two years by a Tacoma firm. Tacoma Boat Building was awarded a contract to build four minesweepers for the Navy at a cost of approximately $7 million. Since then, the firm had received contracts totaling $4.25 million for six more Navy craft. The ship's sponsor was Mrs. Guy Garland, wife of the commander of the Tacoma Naval Station. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (TNT 6-27-58, A-1, TNT 6-29-58, B-2, TNT 7-1-58, A-6))

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

ca. 1955. J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding. The photograph is labelled 9-1-1955, but has a series number that belongs in 1956. Nestled between the 15th Street bridge and the Northern Pacific Railroad bridge on the City Waterway is Martinac shipbuilding. Four large vessels are docked at the company for work. To the right of 15th Street is the Union Pacific Freight Station; to the right of Union Pacific is West Coast Grocery. To the left of the railroad bridge is the J.D. English Steel Co. and behind them is the A.J. Johnson Co.

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

ca. 1955. Tacoma Boat Building Co. on the Sitcum Waterway. The photograph is labelled 9-1-1955, but has a series number that belongs in 1956. The two buildings with the curved roofs are the dry docks for Tacoma Boat Building. Several large vessels being worked on rest in the water beside the boat company. Large log booms float there also. To the left lies the Henry D. Gee Co. grain storage building, with the C. M. ST. P. & P. terminals below. Below Tacoma Boats is the Milwaukee Boom Co. What appear to be railroad tracks run between Tacoma Boat and Henry Gee.

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Henry D. Gee Co. (Tacoma);

The sea trials of the "Sea Babe" for Kazulin-Cole Shipbuilding Corp. Kazulin-Cole was located at 2002 Marine View Drive. Mike Kazulin was president and Anthony M. Ursich was the secretary-treasurer. The "Sea Babe" was a sports fishing boat. It was designed and built by Mike Kazulin. Built for Leroy Powell of South Bend, it would be based in Raymond. The craft could carry 10 fishermen and was powered by a 144 horsepower General Motors diesel motor. (TNT 6/17/1956, pg. B-2)

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Kazulin-Cole Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Ship trials--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The sea trials of the "Sea Babe" for Kazulin-Cole Shipbuilding Corp. Kazulin-Cole was located at 2002 Marine View Drive. The craft was designed and built by Mike Kazulin. A man in a captain's hat waves from the deck of the "Sea Babe." Built for Leroy Powell of South Bend, the boat was registered out of Raymond, WA. The "Sea Babe" was a sports fishing boat and could hold up to ten fishermen. It was outfitted with an auto pilot, depth indicator and ship to shore radio. (TNT 6/17/1956, pg. B-2)

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Kazulin-Cole Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Ship trials--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A full broadside view of a 160 foot vessel was taken on behalf of Birchfield Boiler, Inc., on September 22, 1955. Birchfield Boiler had expanded their shipbuilding and ship conversation departments over the past few years. They were builders of all steel welded vessels of many types and designs. They also fabricated the steel used in their shipbuilding. The company was owned by Alvin Davies who also owned and operated Tacoma Boiler Works and Ace Furnace.

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boats; Birchfield Boiler, Inc. (Tacoma);

Launching of the AM 504 with Foss tugboat. The AM 504 was the second of three 171 ft. minesweepers to be launched by Tacoma Boat Building. The ship was expected to be ready for delivery to the Tacoma Naval Station for outfitting in November of 1955. Mrs. Charles S. Weeks, wife of the commander of the Tacoma Naval Station, would be sponsor and her seven year old daughter June would be the flower girl. Cmdr. L.L. MacKinley, the Navy's resident supervisor of shipbuilding, would be the guest speaker. (TNT 3/20/1955, pg. B-6) TPL-9246

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Launching of the AM 504, the second of three 171 foot minesweepers to be launched at Tacoma Boat Building. The keel was laid on the AM 504 October 25, 1953 and expected delivery to the Tacoma Naval Station for outfitting was November of 1955. On completion, the ship would be turned over to a foreign nation. Mrs. Charles S. Weeks, wife of the commander of the Tacoma Naval Station, would be the sponsor and her seven year old daughter June would be the flower girl. (TNT 3/20/1955, pg. B-6)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

The M.S.A. #491, a 171 foot minesweeper, was scheduled to be launched from the Bayview Shipyard, at the north end of East F St., on April 24, 1955 by the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Co. It is the eighth of nine contracted 171 foot minesweepers to be launched. It will be named the U.S.S. Persistent. The keel was laid for the ship in June of 1954. (TNT 4/127/1955, pg. B-7)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Dorothy (Mrs. M. Stanley) Erdahl serves as sponsor for the launching of the U.S.S. Persistent (A.M. #491) minesweeper, constructed by the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. M. Stanley Erdahl was the current Port Commissioner and an ex-Navy officer who took the first YMS type minesweeper out of the Martinac yard in WWII. She would be assisted at the launching of the 171 ft. minesweeper by Sharon McCoy, daughter of Ed McCoy- Sumner High School's Director of Athletics, who would serve as flower girl. (TNT 4/17/1955, pg. B-7)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Erdahl, Dorothy;

The platform is set up for the ceremonies attending the launch of the M.S.A. #491 (U.S.S. Persistent) at the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. The ship poised on the ways rises above the bunting draped speakers' platform. Capt. Vernon B. Cole will be the principal speaker at the launch. Mrs. Dorothy Erdahl will be the sponsor and Sharon McCoy will be the flower girl. The Persistent is the eighth of nine 171 foot minesweepers to be launched by Martinac. Four of the ships have already been delivered. The keel of the Persistent was laid in June of 1954. (TNT 4/17/1955, pg. B-7)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Acceptance trials of the minesweeper U.S.S. Conquest, hull #488, built by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding. Several high ranking Navy officials were present for the test. The Conquest is the first of the 171 ft. minesweepers of the "88 Class" to reach trials. After successfully completing the trials, the ship will be delivered to the Tacoma Naval Station, the 5th AM type minesweeper to be delivered. The USS Pledge (AM 492) will be launched July 20, 1955, the 9th and last under the current contract. (TNT 7/3/1955, pg. B-8)

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Ship trials--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Acceptance trials for the minesweeper U.S.S. Conquest, hull #488, built by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding began in late June of 1955. After successfully completing its preliminary acceptance trials, Martinac delivered the AM type minesweeper to the Tacoma Naval Station and it was commission on July 20th. As the first 172 foot minesweeper of the "88 Class" to reach trials, the trials were attended by several high ranking officials. The Conquest was one of the first ships involved in the Vietnam war; it swept the Saigon River and helped to establish control in the "Tonkin Gulf". Twenty-five years later, in 1987, it was sent to the Persian Gulf where it helped to clear mines that were threatening oil tankers. (TNT 7/3/1955, pg. B-8)

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Ship trials--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Launching of the MSO 505 at Tacoma Boat Building. Photo ordered by the Industrial Development Service. Grain elevators in the background. The Navy's newest minesweeper, the 171 foot MSO 505, was launched Saturday August 6, 1955 at Tacoma Boatbuilding. Mrs. C. E. Trescott was the sponsor and Miss Irene Trescott was the attendant. They were introduced by Capt. James R. Davis, USN. The 13th Naval District band played. (TNT 8/8/1955, pg. 9)

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

The launching of the USS Pledge, MSO 492, at J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding. The minesweeper was the ninth of its class to be launched. M.S. Erdahl, Port Commissioner, was the Master of Ceremonies. Mrs. Theodore Ultsch did the christening assisted by Miss Janet Bruder, as the flower girl. The featured speaker was Rear Admiral Smoot, commander of the mineforce of the US Pacific Fleet. The launching was held in conjunction with the commissioning of the USS Conquest, Hull #488. (TNT 7/21/1955, pg. D-10

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

A crowd of spectators await the launching of the minesweeper #489, the U.S.S. Gallant, built by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding on the evening of June 4, 1954. Martinac Shipbuilding had received a contract to built nine 171-foot minesweepers for the Navy during the early 1950's. Those observing the launching heard Rear Adm. W.F. James, 13th Naval District medical officer, give the principal address. Mrs. Walter Meserole, daughter of J.M. Martinac, was the ship's sponsor. Music for the ceremony was provided by the McChord Air Force Band. (TNT 5-30-54, C-12)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Puget Sound Boat. "Liberty" is out for sea trials. She was a 100 foot tuna clipper built for Ed Madruga & Associates. She was the "high boat" for its class for the first 8 months of the 1949 season with an Enterprise DMG-6 engine. (Pacific Fisherman Yearbood 1949, p.83; Pacific Fisherman Yearbook 1950, p.41, Pacific Fisherman March 1950 p.1) TPL-8977

Puget Sound Boat Building Corp. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ship trials--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma Boat. "Sonja" is out for her water trials. She is a tuna clipper with the canopy of the back covering the bait tanks. Sometimes helicopters or small airplanes were used to spot schools of tuna and the aircraft would land and take off from the canopies. "Sonja" has two decks, the upper one houses the pilot house. TPL-8975

Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ship trials--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma Boat. "Sonja" was another in a long history of fine fishing vessels built in Tacoma. Tacoma, Commencement Bay and Point Defiance were all known along the Pacific Coast of the United States because of their exceptional working boats built in Tacoma. Boat builders from Europe came to Tacoma and started Martinac, Martinolich, Tacoma Boat and Western Boat. They plied their trades with the knowledge they had gained with the materials so abundant in the northwest, starting with all wood boats and then changing to steel. The designs continued to be as beautiful as any boats built. TPL-8976

Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ship trials--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Setting a 42 ton engine in a tuna boat using a 60 ton crane, Studio, Spec., Bob. The 600 h.p. Washington diesel engine is being set into a 121 foot funa clipper at the Port Piers. The boat was built by Puget Sound Boat Building Corporation, designed by James Petrich. Owners of the shipyard were John Breskovich and John Petrich. (T.Times, 10/23/1948, p.1) TPL-8981

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boat engines; Hoisting machinery; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Puget Sound Boat Building Corp. (Tacoma);

Setting a 42 ton engine in a tuna boat using a 60 ton crane, Studio, Spec., Bob. A huge diesel engine weighing 43 tons was swung into a 121 foot tuna clipper by a Port Piers crane. It was the only crane in the harbor capable of handling such a heavy load. The boat was built by Puget Sound Boat Building Corp. for the French Sardine Company of San Diego that cost $350,000 when outfitted. The engine is being guided by Adrian Luchino, a Puget Sound Boat employee. (T.Times, 10/23/1948) TPL-8980

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boat engines; Hoisting machinery; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Puget Sound Boat Building Corp. (Tacoma); Luchino, Adrian;

Peterson Boat Building Company. Sea trials of "Viking", a 98 foot fishing vessel built for Captain Frank Brenha. She has a 465 hp Superior diesel engine. A view of the chapel inside the "Viking" is shown in D37,174-7. G.J. Peterson was the general manager of Peterson Boat which was located at 223 East F Street at this time. (Pacific Fisherman 1949, p.70) TPL-8979

Peterson Boat Building Co. (Tacoma); Ship trials--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1940-1950;