I too don’t really know what drew me to the Tamaroa, but two years ago while reading Boats and Harbors, I saw the Tamaroa for sale and thought to myself, what a shame that someone doesn’t try to save this ship and make it a floating museum.

A year later I saw an ad for a group of folks trying to raise funds to save the Tamaroa, again in Boats and Harbors and I mentioned it to my fellow firefighters and Marine Patrol folks, that it would be a shame to lose such a treasure to the scrap heap or to an artificial reef somewhere.

Two months ago, I accidentally found out that a group of Richmond folks were trying to save an old Coast Guard Cutter and when the name was mentioned, all the hair stood up on my neck. I could not believe that the same vessel that I had seen for sale two years ago could possibly be coming to my back yard.

I called Tom Robinson to inquire and before we hung up, I had thrown my hat into the ring. I wonder why? My only affiliation with the Coast Guard has been through obtaining a UTB 41 for my department and refurbishing it for use as a Marine Patrol Unit. My uncle was in the Navy and I remember stories he told of his tours on aircraft carriers in WWII, but I never served in the Military. Then it dawned on me why I was so interested in the Tam. It was simple, not complex at all. My desire is to see a treasure of history for both Navy veterans and Coast Guard veterans saved. Not only for those who have served on her, but for those who now need to know her stories, appreciate what those crew members went though and continue to go through to keep our country free. She is more than an old tug/cutter; she is a part of freedom's history, of sacrifice and of courage in the face of danger. Sure, there are Battleships, Carriers, Cruisers and other ships that have been saved, but how many like the Tam? How many that won four battle stars in WWII and whose distinguished 48 year service with the Coast Guard reflects what she has accomplished?

I learned last weekend that she was both loved and hated, she was old, but tough, she was worn but running and she was a survivor ( with a little help ). Between hitting my head every few moments and squeezing my big body through places I should not have gone, I too developed a love for her. As a new civilian member of the Tamaroa Maritime Foundation, I have come to appreciate those dedicated to save her. Those who reached back in time to skills that they so long ago learned and had to polish up.

I look forward to our next meeting/work session and to the day when the Tam will stand tall and proud and represent all those men and women who have served aboard her.