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;

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;

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);

Coverage of twin launching at McNeil. Mrs. L. Delmore, Jr., smashed a bottle of champagne against the prow of one of the two tugs launched at McNeil Island on June 17, 1943 during the tradition of christening the vessel. Since she did so before the tug slid down the ways, the force of the bottle exploding drenched her from head to toe. The tug was to be turned over to the Army transport service. She was built with labor from McNeil Island inmates. (T. Times 6-18-1943, p. 1, 3)

Launchings--McNeil Island; Boat & ship industry--McNeil Island; Tugboats--McNeil Island; Delmore, L.--Family;

Coverage of twin launching at McNeil. Boat with flags strung from bow to bow moored in water next to wharf. Markings indicate that it was a U.S. Army tugboat, either T-88 or T-89, both of which were launched at McNeil on June 17, 1943. Both tugs were 65-ft. long with 16-ft beams. Douglas fir was used for everything except stem, sternposts and trim. The tugs were powered by Diesel engines. They were built for the Army Transport Service by McNeil Island inmates. (T.Times 6-18-1943, p. 1,3- alt. photo)

Launchings--McNeil Island; Boat & ship industry--McNeil Island; Tugboats--McNeil Island;

Coverage of twin launchings at McNeil Island. Vessel in water adjacent to wharf with a one-story building on it. 100 guests from the Mainland and proud inmate builders celebrated the launching of two 65-ft. tugboats built for the U.S. Army on June 17, 1943. WWII saw the revival of the shipbuilding program on McNeil which had seen the last ship constructed there by inmates way back in 1907. By June of 1943, three ships had been launched and of the three, one delivered to the Army in November of 1942. (T.Times 6-18-1943, p. 1,3-various photographs)

Launchings--McNeil Island; Boat & ship industry--McNeil Island; Tugboats--McNeil Island;

Coverage of twin launching at McNeil. James V. Bennett (second from left), Seattle Mayor William F. Devin (second from right) and Warden P.J. Squier of McNeil Island (far right) were identified in this group of men who were attending the twin launching of tugboats for the U.S. Army Transport Service on June 17, 1943. The tugs were built with prison labor during a revival of the shipbuilding industry on McNeil, and were highly praised by military and civilian officials. (T.Times 6-18-1943, p. 1,3- various photographs)

Launchings--McNeil Island; Boat & ship industry--McNeil Island; Tugboats--McNeil Island; Bennett, James V.; Devin, William F.; Squier, P.J.;

Coverage of twin launchings at McNeil Island. On June 17, 1943 Mrs. H.W. Algeo served as sponsor of one of the two tugboats launched at McNeil Island. Mrs. L. Delmore, Jr., was the other sponsor. Mrs. Algeo is pictured above in the act of christening the boat with a firm smash against her prow. It was reported that both she and Mrs. Delmore were drenched by the exploding champagne bottles. KMO radio broadcast the event as a twin launching was rare and launchings of any sort of prisoner-built vessels even rarer. As the United States was now at war, a revival of using prison labor in boat construction had commenced. 1907 had been the last time locally that a ship was built by inmates. The two tugs would become the second and third built under the revived shipbuilding program at McNeil. (T.Times 6-18-1943, p. 1, 3)

Launchings--McNeil Island; Boat & ship industry--McNeil Island; Tugboats--McNeil Island; Algeo, H.W.--Family;

Coverage of twin launching at McNeil. These two ladies were the official sponsors of the two tugs, T-88 and T-89, built for the Army Transport Service by prisoners at McNeil Island. Mrs. L. Delmore, Jr. and Mrs. H.W. Algeo (from left) are pictured holding large bouquets of roses on June 17, 1943. They participated in the tradition of christening the ships with bottles of champagne. (T.Times 6-18-1943, p. 1,3- alt. photographs)

Launchings--McNeil Island; Boat & ship industry--McNeil Island; Tugboats--McNeil Island; Delmore, L.--Family; Algeo, H.W.--Family; Roses;

Coverage of twin launching at McNeil. Two sister tugs, T-88 and T-89, slid down the ways on Thursday, June 17, 1943 to loud cheering from spectators. The two ships launched were the second and third under the revived shipbuilding program during WWII. Both of them were to be turned over to the Army. Present at the event were prison officials and honored guests: (from left) master of ceremonies A.F. Lykke, James V. Bennett, Richard McGee, LTC D.M. Jacques of the Army Transport Corp, Seattle Mayor William F. Devin and Warden P.J. Squier of McNeil Island Penitentiary. The point was heavily emphasized that both vessels were built by McNeil Island prisoners. (T.Times 6-18-1943, p. 1, 3)

Launchings--McNeil Island; Boat & ship industry--McNeil Island; Tugboats--McNeil Island; Lykke, A.F.; Bennett, James V.; McGee, Richard; Jacques, D.M.; Devin, William F.; Squier, P.J.;

Coverage of twin launching at McNeil. The 65-foot tugboat with a 16-foot beam was one of two tugs launched at McNeil Island on June 17, 1943, under a revived shipbuilding program. The tugs were built of Douglas fir except for the stem, sternposts and trim. They ran on Diesel engines. The ships were built using prison labor and there was much anticipation of the launchings by the 100 guests from the mainland plus the proud builders. No ships locally had been built by prisoners since 1907 when Capt. Neil Henley of Steilacoom directed that last construction. Capt. Henley had founded the shipbuilding industry at McNeil prison in 1883. With America now entered into WWII, the necessity of more ships resulted in the revival of the shipbuilding program. T-88 and T-89 were the second and third built for the Army Transport Service by McNeil with the first ship turned over to the Army in November of 1942. (T.Times 6-18-1943, p. 1, 3)

Launchings--McNeil Island; Boat & ship industry--McNeil Island; Tugboats--McNeil Island;

Coverage of twin launchings at McNeil Island. Close view of decorated wooden vessel, one of two sister tugs, waiting to be sent down the ways on June 17, 1943. Many spectators lean eagerly over the railings overlooking the ship. The tugs were built by prison labor. (T.Times 6-18-1943, p. 1,3-alt. photo)

Launchings--McNeil Island; Boat & ship industry--McNeil Island; Tugboats--McNeil Island;

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 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;

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);

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 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;

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;

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);