Launch of the New Mackinaw WLBB 30

The New USCG Mackinaw (WLBB 30) was launched at Marinette Marine Co. April 2, 2005 just before 11 a.m. A very large crowd of several thousand people (on both sides of river) cheered as the Mackinaw was side launched into the Menominee River. A large number of Coast Guard and other dignitaries were on hand for the special occasion.

Launch by Dave Wobser and N. Schultheiss
Ceremonies	Ready for launch
Azipods turned for launch	Azipods		Shipyard workers check the launch blocks
Bow	Bow thruster.
	Standing room only.	Tug Escort handles the bow line.
Champagne bottle cracks on first swing.		Sliding to the river.
		Righting
Large wave heads for the other side of the river.		Wash back into the yard.	Helicopter flies over.
Sponsor Mrs. Jean Hastert.		Moving back to the dock.
Video of the Launching (Updated April 5, 2005.)			Coast Guard Videos
Video of launch & speeches by Ric Mixter
Video clips by John W. Anderson (no sound): Clip 1; Clip 2
Video clip by Lee Rowe
Video clip by John Garniss (sounds effects added)
Launch by Scott Best
On the Ways shortly before launching	Splashing into the Menominee River	Rocking as wave heads for the Menominee shore	Almost back to an even keel
Finally on an even keel waiting to be inspected by divers.

Launch by Lee Rowe



Launch by Mike Birrell


Launch by Brian Peterson
Friday night.	Launch day.

Launch by John Anderson