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;
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)
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);
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.
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
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
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
ca. 1968. View of USS Ready, an Asheville Class gunboat, which had been commissioned on January 6, 1968. The PG-87 was built by Tacoma Boatbuilding and named after a town in Kentucky. The 165-foot aluminum gunboat was launched on May 12, 1967. Tacoma Boatbuilding had a contract to build twelve gunboats; the USS Ready was the sixth in the series. (TNT 5-13-67, p. 2; www.navsource.org/archives/12/11087.htm)
Gunboats--United States; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (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
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
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
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
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)
Broadside view of the "Point Lobos." Built by the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp., the "Point Lobos," CG 82366, was commissioned on May 29, 1967. She was a Point Class 82-foot patrol boat built for the Coast Guard. The boat had a mild steel hull and aluminum superstructure. She had two Cummins 800-hp diesels. Photograph ordered by the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. while ship was undergoing sea trials. (www.uscg.mil/hq/g-cp/history/WEBCUTTERS/Point_Lobos.html)
May, 1967, view of Airways Rent-A-Truck with lift at Titus-Will Ford building construction site, 3606 So.Sprague. This rented truck came equipped with a hoist capable of lifting heavy pallets or wrapped building materials. It appears that the wrapped packages, possibly roofing material, could therefore be moved onto rooftops with ease due to the truck's lifting capabilities. Titus-Will had opened a used car mall on So. Sprague north of the Tacoma Mall and west of I-5 the previous year. The construction pictured above was part of the new 10.5 acre Ford Center where new cars and a complete service department would be situated. Photograph ordered by First National Auto Leasing.
Trucks--Tacoma--1960-1970; Building construction--Tacoma--1960-1970; Titus-Will Ford (Tacoma); Lease & rental services--Tacoma;
The Tacoma Elks Club was heavily involved in community service. In March, 1967, they donated a new Chevy van to the Boys Club of America local chapters. The Tacoma Boys Club retained possession of the truck but all boys clubs were permitted to use it. Standing in front of the Elks Temple were the three Elks prominently involved in the donation: (L-R) Robert Holder, Exalted Ruler Alex Wilson, and Jack Bird. Photograph ordered by Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174. (TNT 4-4-67, p. 7)
Trucks--Tacoma--1960-1970; Gifts; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Holder, Robert; Wilson, Alex; Bird, Jack;
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;
The "Point Judith" was built by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding in Tacoma, launched on March 16, 1966, and commissioned that July. She is pictured above undergoing sea trials in mid-July of 1966. "Point Judith" was the first of 26 new Point Class 82-foot Coast Guard cutters built to replace similar cutters sent to Vietnam. This patrol boat was designed to have light steel hulls and aluminum superstructures. The "Point Judith" would spend her life stationed in California, at San Pedro and Santa Barbara. She was used for law enforcement and search-and-rescue operations until being decommissioned in January, 1992, and transferred to Venezuela. "Point Judith" was the first cutter built outside the Coast Guard's own shipyards in Curtis Bay, MD. Costs for the 26 cutters averaged approximately $400,000 apiece. Ordered by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding. (TNT 10-30-66, A-17); (www.uscg.mil/hq/g-cp/history/WEBCUTTERS/Point_Judith.html; Newell, Gordon: Maritime Events of 1966, McCurdy: Marine History of the Pacific N.W.1966-1976);
The "Point Judith" was built by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding in Tacoma, launched on March 16, 1966, and commissioned that July. She is pictured above undergoing sea trials in mid-July of 1966. "Point Judith" was the first of 26 new Point Class 82-foot Coast Guard cutters built to replace similar cutters sent to Vietnam. This patrol boat was designed to have light steel hulls and aluminum superstructures. The "Point Judith" would spend her life stationed in California, at San Pedro and Santa Barbara. She was used for law enforcement and search-and-rescue operations until being decommissioned in January, 1992, and transferred to Venezuela. "Point Judith" was the first cutter built outside the Coast Guard's own shipyards in Curtis Bay, MD. Costs for the 26 cutters averaged approximately $400,000 apiece. Ordered by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding. (TNT 10-30-66, A-17); (www.uscg.mil/hq/g-cp/history/WEBCUTTERS/Point_Judith.html; Newell, Gordon: Maritime Events of 1966, McCurdy: Marine History of the Pacific N.W.1966-1976);
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)
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)
Charter Metropolitan buses parked along the 700 block of Commerce St. on May 21, 1966. The four buses were packed with folks heading for the Judson Park retirement complex open house in Zenith. Baker U-Drive Rental agency had offices nearby at 754 Commerce. (Old) City Hall would be approximately one block away. Photograph ordered by Northwest Advertising Agency, Seattle.
Broadside view of the "Connie Jean" undergoing sea trials on April 20, 1966. The 150-foot tuna seiner was built by Martinac Shipbuilding and launched in December, 1965. She is the sister-ship of the "Eastern Pacific" also built by Martinac. The "Connie Jean" will be used in the San Pedro area. She has a frozen fish capacity of 530 tons and carries a crew of 14. Photograph ordered by Martinac Shipbuilding. (TNT 12-13-65, p. 9) TPL-9059
The fishing vessel, "Connie Jean," undergoes sea trials on April 20, 1966. Her prow carves a path through the quiet waters of Commencement Bay. The tuna seiner was built by Martinac Shipbuilding. She is under the command of Capt. Eugene Cabral of San Diego and will carry a crew of 14. The "Connie Jean," named after the captain's daughter, has a frozen fish capacity of 530 tons. She will be used in the San Pedro area. Color photograph ordered by Martinac Shipbuilding. (TNT 12-13-65, p. 9) TPL-9060 B&W negative)
Four uniformed drivers stand beside their Griffin-Galbraith Fuel Co. delivery trucks outside company headquarters days before Christmas, 1965. Advertised as Tacoma's complete heating specialists, Griffin-Galbraith Fuel provided oil, coal and wood heating oils in addition to furnace sales and service. The company's radio dispatched fuel oil trucks could be utilized for speedier service. Established in 1889 as Griffin Transfer Co., and later known as Griffin Fuel Co., by 1965, the company was listed in the City Directory as Griffin-Galbraith Fuel Co. It maintained a fleet of fuel trucks and well trained service specialists. Photograph ordered by Griffin-Galbraith Fuel Co.
Helicopter descending. Chauncey L. Griggs, president of Export Pacific, Inc., was expecting two log buyers, one from France, to visit him in early June, 1964. The smiling passenger aboard the helicopter descending on company property on June 3, 1964, was one of them. Mr. Griggs was a member of a well known pioneer family and had been associated with the St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Co. Export Pacific were lumber exporters located at 900 Milwaukee Waterway. Photograph ordered by Export Pacific, Inc. TPL-9644
