The dirigible "Shenandoah," commissioned by the US Navy, paid a two day visit to Camp Lewis in October of 1924. A special 165 foot tall striped mooring mast was specially constructed for the visit. The giant dirigible, patterned after a German Zeppelin captured by the French in 1917, hovered silently in the air over gawking spectators and their automobiles. On September 3, 1925, a mere nine months later, the airship was caught in a thunderstorm and torn to pieces over Noble County, Ohio. Miraculously, 29 of its 43 crew members survived. The mast stood at Fort Lewis until 1936. (Richards copy negative)

Airships; Mooring masts; Camp Lewis (Wash.); Military camps--Tacoma--1920-1930;

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.

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);

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);

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;

Additional view of "Pacific Queen." The "Pacific Queen," an all-steel tuna seiner, underwent sea trials in January of 1968. Built by Martinac Shipbuilding, she was launched in September of 1967. Once sea trials were completed, she would be turned over to her new owners, Joseph & Edward Gann of San Diego. The 165-foot fishing vessel had a 650-ton frozen tuna capacity.

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

The all-steel tuna seiner, "Pacific Queen," in sea trials. January 11, 1968, saw the Martinac-built fishing vessel undergoing sea trials before she was turned over to new owners, Joseph and Edward Gann of San Diego. She had been launched on September 16, 1967, with Mrs. Manuel O. Virissimo, wife of the new skipper, as sponsor. The "Pacific Queen" was the second boat built for Virissimo by Martinac; the first was the "Historic," a wooden tuna boat built 1949-50. The "Pacific Queen" would be manned by a crew of 13; she was capable of carrying 650 tons of frozen tuna. (TNT 9-10-67, C-23; TNT 9-17-67, C-19) TPL-9133b

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

Waves break across the bow of the "Pacific Queen" tuna seiner as she undergoes sea trials on January 11, 1968. The all-steel, 165-foot vessel was launched on September 16, 1967, at Martinac Shipbuilding. Manned by a crew of 13, she could carry 650 tons of frozen tuna. Photograph ordered by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding. (TNT 9-10-67, C-23, TNT 9-17-67, C-19) TPL-9127

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

Sea trials of the "Pacific Queen." A broadside view of the fishing boat, the "Pacific Queen," as she undergoes sea trials on January 11, 1968. Built by Martinac Shipbuilding for owners Joseph and Edward Gann of San Diego, the "Pacific Queen" was launched on September 16, 1967. She measured 165-feet in length and was constructed entirely of steel. (TNT 9-10-67, C-23, TNT 9-17-67, C-19) TPL-9128

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

Five men pose by three Northwest Gas Supply trucks carrying Doxol compressed gas on April 22, 1968. The trucks measure 65 feet in length and are 10 feet high. Signs on the tanks warn that the contents are flammable. They are parked outside Redi-Gas and Northwest Gas facilities at 14012 Pacific Ave. Photograph ordered by Transportation Equipment.

Trucks--Parkland; Northwest Gas Supply (Parkland); Redi-Gas Service (Parkland); Fuel trade--Parkland;

ABC Gladieux Corp. trucks on display. Four ABC Gladieux trucks are angled in "trucks only" parking spots on July 8, 1968. Their drivers stand next to the trucks' cabs. The catering company provided in-flight food service. They were located at 5616 Pacific Ave. Photograph ordered by ABC Gladieux Corp.

ABC Gladieux Corp. (Tacoma); Trucks--Tacoma--1960-1970;

One obviously happy lady is reaching for the set of car keys from a grinning man as she and four other women enjoy a new automobile on May 30, 1968. The women have just picked up the new vehicle. Two other women stand outside the two-door sedan, one holds a small dog. Photograph ordered by Vanda Cosmetics Co., Orlando, Florida.

Automobiles--1960-1970; Dogs;

Sea trials. The tuna-seiner "Cabrillo" churns through the waters of Commencement Bay on a beautiful spring day in 1968. She was undergoing sea trials before being turned over to Joseph Soares of San Diego who would use her to fish out of Puerto Rico. The 166-foot vessel with a 34-foot beam was launched by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding on February 17, 1968. She would be able to hold 650 tons of tuna. (TNT 2-11-68, A-26, TNT 2-18-68, C-21) TPL-9134a

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

The 166-foot tuna seiner, "Cabrillo," plows through the water as she undergoes sea trials in late May of 1968. The "Cabrillo" was launched on February 17, 1968, at J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding. Her beam is 34 feet. Martinac built the "Cabrillo" for Joseph Soares of San Diego. (TNT 2-11-68, A-26, TNT 2-18-68, C-21) TPL-9130

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

Sea trials. Built by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding, the "Cabrillo" presents a broadside view to the Richards Studio photographer as the vessel undergoes sea trials in late May, 1968. Launched on February 17, 1968, the "Cabrillo" was the third of five similar vessels being built by Martinac. She would fish out of Puerto Rico. (TNT 2-11-68, A-26, TNT 2-18-68, C-21) TPL-9131

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

Sea trials. The "Cabrillo," elegant in its blue, white, and red coloring, quietly completes sea trials in late May, 1968. Water is being released through the scupper. She had been launched by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding on February 17, 1968, with Gale Marie Soares as sponsor. The large vessel was built to carry 650 tons of tuna and would be used for fishing in Puerto Rican waters. Photograph ordered by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (TNT 2-11-68, A-26, TNT 2-18-68, C-21) TPL-9134b

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

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);

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;

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;

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);

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;

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);