But first . . . it’s a race, and there are trophies for such categories as best-looking, best mascot, best tattooed crew person . . . . And there is pushing and jostling, for which there are no trophies. But what would you call this?
Step back a hundred and some feet . . . and clearly it’s USAV MGen Anthony Wayne LT-803, 5100 hp, and delivered from what is now VT Halter Marine in June 1993. Off her port side is Eric R. Thornton.
From l to r, lining up are Meagan Ann, Houma, Bering Sea, a little of Robert E. McAllister, Buchanan 1, Mister T, and Emily Ann.
Here’s a view of Robert E.’s business end under way.
Mako III seemed to carry a different name last year. It began life as an Army ST, although I don’t know what number she carried. 66, perhaps?
And they were off. Fells Point, the nearest vessel, is likely the newest boat in the race.
More photos later.
All photos by Will Van Dorp, who is grateful to NYMedia Boat and Bjoern Kils for getting the best positions for photography during the sixth boro’s premiere Labor Day event, the 22nd annual Great North River Race organized by the Working Harbor Committee, who also deserve a big round of applause.
Two questions you might have are . . why does the Army have boats, and who was MGen Anthony Wayne? Here are links A and B to answer the first part–please add detail if you know it–and here’s the info on General Wayne, sometimes called “mad General Wayne.”
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August 31, 2014 at 2:38 pm
John
Army Mariners”Bring the goods”
Navy Sailors “Bring the Guns”
Army Maritime units are mostly logistical support, part of their transportation corps.
August 31, 2014 at 2:52 pm
tugster
john . . . thanks. that’s a great way to phrase the distinction.
August 31, 2014 at 8:37 pm
Joni
The highlight of a birthday past!
September 1, 2014 at 10:02 am
mageb
I can actually answer that first one as I was stationed at Ft. Eustis, the US Army’s transportation Headquarters. Then to see that old photo of my downtown is a treat. We are heading there today for the festival of sail. That area now looks dramatically different with the baseball field gone, half the train station gone, and other changes that are much bigger. A delightful post.
September 1, 2014 at 10:08 am
tugster
thanks, mage.
September 1, 2014 at 10:29 am
William Lafferty
Actually, the Mako III was built for the Navy as (I believe) C-1507 by the Roamer Boat Company of Holland, Michigan, in 1952, one of a group of similar tugs based on the ST design. Over the course of the next two years, Roamer would build over thirty STs for the Army. Mako III was previously the Sea Bear, owned by the Circle Line.
September 1, 2014 at 10:35 am
tugster
William– Wow! I traced the boat to Roamer, but couldn’t figure out the next part about its assignment to the Navy. I appreciate your information.
September 2, 2014 at 10:35 am
bowsprite
Thank you, William & Will! I have been curious about this tug.
(sure Will you found this: http://www.shipbuildinghistory.com/history/smallships/armytugs2.htm)
September 1, 2014 at 10:14 pm
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