Tamaroa Thanks the U.S. Navy

[Tamaroa]

Tamaroa says ?Thank you U.S. Navy?

We of the Tamaroa Maritime Foundation would like to take a moment to say thank you to the United States Navy. The last 25 months, the Navy has allowed us to forage decommissioned ships for parts we need to keep the Tamaroa going. These ships include: The U.S. Naval Research Vessel Gosport, U.S.S. Yosemite, U.S.S. Portland, U.S.S. Seneca, SS Catawba Victory, SS Marine Fiddler, U.S.S. Paiute, U.S.S. Papago, USCGC Spar, U.S.S. America. The ships have come from the reserve fleets of Portsmouth, Chesapeake and the Philadelphia ship yard.

Because of the Navy?s help and our own volunteers, the Tamaroa stands at 95% complete for damage control and fire fighting missions. To date we have had 3,200 man hours donated to the Tamaroa?s cause.

Here are some facts to ponder: On an average work weekend we burn 75 gallons of fuel at 2.00 per gallon. It costs 150.00 to pump out our sewage tanks every 4 months and our insurance costs 1,200 per month. Never mind the cost of paint, grease and tools.

We look forward to your support, financial and otherwise in helping the Tamaroa complete her latest mission, that of educating the young about the sea and its careers all the while learning out this great country?s maritime traditions.

(excerpts from the TAMAROA Newsletter published by the Tamaroa Maritime Foundation, No. 3, July 2004.)

Bill Doherty
Historian

www.zunimaritime.org