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A New Record for Moran : SIX TUGS CHRISTENED AT ONE TIME
On October 20, 2000, more than 250 friends, guests and employees of Moran gathered at the U.S. Naval Base at Norfolk Virginia for a gala celebration hosted by Moran to mark the christening of six newly constructed MARCI Class Z drive tractor tugs. Under a bright sunny sky, while the U.S. Navy Atlantic Fleet Band played, those in attendance witnessed the christening of the largest number of tug boats ever christened by Moran at one time. One of the on-lookers said that the event reminded him of the type of mass ship christenings that occurred during World War II. The six shiny and spotlessly clean new tugs, as well as two existing tugs that were rebuilt to the same specifications, were lined up four on each side of the Navy pier. These eight tugs will be used to perform harbor services at the Little Creek Naval Station at Norfolk and the Naval Amphibious Base under a 60 month time charter with the U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command. This contract was awarded to Moran in November, 1998, as part of the Navy's privatization of its own tug fleet. It is one of the largest time charters ever awarded by the Military Sealift Command. Winning the contract was particularly gratifying for Moran because it was an additional opportunity to continue its long history of service to the U.S. Navy. The christening ceremonies began with opening remarks by Moran's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Paul Tregurtha, who welcomed all in attendance including Vice Admiral Gordon S. Holder, USN, Commander of Military Sealift Command. Mr. Tregurtha reviewed some of the highlights of Moran's relationship with the Navy, ranging from wartime operations dating back to the Spanish American War and during World War II, to the less glamorous but important ongoing contracts for docking and sailing warships and military support vessels during peacetime. Following the opening remarks, the guests were ushered to pier-side along a specially laid red carpet where they moved from tug to tug to watch as each tug's sponsor, with the tug's namesake beside her, broke a bottle of champagne against the hull. After half a case of champagne had been expended and all of the new tugs were christened, the guests enjoyed an outdoor luncheon under a large tent erected on the bulkhead within sight of the new tugs. At the luncheon, Paul Tregurtha again thanked the attendees for sharing this historic moment and introduced his partner, James Barker, Vice Chairman of Moran. Mr. Barker spoke to the crowd and imparted his belief that this new contract provided a meaningful stimulus to the expansion of the company and the continuous upgrading of its fleet. Moran was honored to have Admiral Holder speak at the luncheon about the Navy's long associations with Moran. He expressed his belief that the Norfolk Naval Station, the Navy and Moran would all benefit from this new relationship. He pointed to the huge amphibious assault ships, aircraft carriers and other mighty war ships at the Naval Station and said that all of them are dependent on the industrious little tugboats which enable the Navy to come and go as needed. Admiral Holder said that ship moves which formerly required as many as six tugs could now be done with two or three of the new Z drive tugs, making each move more effective, efficient and faster, thereby enhancing overall coordination and planning for the Navy Sealift Command. Following Admiral Holder's remarks, Edward Tregurtha, President of Moran, introduced the sponsors and namesakes of the newly christened tugs. The tugs were named for children of Paul Tregurtha and James Barker, as well as for the wives of Edward Tregurtha, David Beardsley, Vice President of Moran and Jimmy Coyne, Vice President of Moran. Paul Tregurtha brought the formal ceremonies to a close by thanking everyone associated with this project for giving their skills and their efforts to make the project successful. Within the Navy, he specifically thanked Admiral Holder and Captain Joseph F. Bouchard, US Naval Commander of the Port of Norfolk. He also thanked Bruce Doughty, Vice President of Washburn & Doughty who designed and built the new tugs and Captain Bill Shields, of Washburn & Doughty, who together with Moran's Port Engineer Steve Stafford travelled with every crew to deliver each of the new tugs. On the Moran staff, Mr. Tregurtha offered a special thank you to David Beardsley, Vice President and Jimmy Coyne, Vice President who under an extremely tight construction schedule each spent numerous weekends away from home smoothing out every detail of the construction and design of the new and rebuilt tugs. Their efforts, along with all of those involved in this project enabled Moran to deliver the tugs to the Navy as specified and on time. Mr. Paul Horsboll, Vice President and General Manager of Moran Towing of Virginia was recognized for his contribution as the contact person on site in Norfolk. Mr. Edward J. Tregurtha, and Mr. Jeffrey McAulay, Vice President Moran were each recognized for their work in handling the financial aspects of the project. Mr. Tregurtha also recognized the overall leadership of Edmond J. Moran, Jr., Senior Vice President of Moran, who was instrumental in organizing the submission of Moran's bid for the contract and the overall supervision of the implementation of the contract. Following the formal ceremonies all of the guests were invited to board and tour the new tugs to see the latest technological advances that were built into these new powerful and maneuverable MARCI class Z drive tractor tugs. Guests and dignitaries spent the remainder of the afternoon taking a hands on look at the new tugs while those at Moran savored the pride and excitement of the day. CHRISTENING PARTIES
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50 Locust Avenue | New Canaan, CT 06840-4737 USA | Tel: 203.442.2800 |
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L to R: George, Margaret, George, George and Jack Marcou, Karen Barker-Marcou, Kaye Barker, James R. Barker.
L to R: Charles Weglen, Tina Coyne, Mac Coyne, Darby Coyne, Jimmy Coyne, Susu Coyne, Jake
Coyne, Surrie Coyne, Bonnie Walthour (seated).
L to R: Scott, David, Wendy
and
L to R: Ted, Jimmy, Jack, Marci and Katie
Tregurtha
