ZUNI Maritime Foundation Gears Up
Dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the USS ZUNI (ATF – 95), which later became the USCGC TAMAROA (WMEC – 166), the ZUNI Maritime Foundation strives to provide the public a unique and educational experience surrounding the history of this vessel and the significant role her crewmembers had in protecting our freedom and securing our national defense. You can help.
The historic vessel USS ZUNI/USCGC Tamaroa, whose history stretches from the sands of Iwo Jima to the seas of The Perfect Storm has finally arrived in Virginia. After a thirteen year odyssey of being decommissioned, parked, abandoned, auctioned off, purchased, and sold again, she was bought and donated to the Zuni Maritime Foundation. But, like any worthy cause, the foundation needs help. That help can take the form of Time, Treasure and/or Talent.
• About the Foundation
The Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the ship in an operational condition as well as to educate the public about the vital role working vessels such as cutters and tugs play in our maritime heritage. She will be used in a number of roles, the primary ones being a major tourist attraction and a maritime educational platform. Given the emphasis on bringing more professionals into the maritime industry and keeping them at sea, this project makes perfect sense.
The Zuni/Tamaroa will be made available to Young Marines, Sea Cadets, Sea Scouts, NROTC, Junior NROTC programs, Coast Guard Auxiliary, and others. The Zuni/Tamaroa will also be accessible to the general public as a National Historic Ship. Tours of the ship, static displays, and scheduled live demonstrations will be among the many aspects the public will experience when they visit the Zuni/Tamaroa. Former crewmembers, their families and those who served on similar ships will be able to relive a part of their youth and share their experiences with others.
• Tamaroa's Awards
In her 48 years of service in both the Navy and Coast Guard the Tamaroa and her crews won numerous awards making her one of the most decorated vessels in United States service. This is made all the more remarkable when you consider that she was a smaller working vessel, not one of the "stars" of the fleet.
• What’s Next:
For 48 years, this historic workhorse saved thousands of lives in hundreds of missions worldwide. After winning four Battle Stars for her heroic actions during the South Pacific Campaign of WWII, she continued her valiant duties as the Coast Guard Cutter Tamaroa. Although her lifesaving missions are too numerous to mention here, it is hard not to mention how she was immortalized on Halloween Night 1991, when she became the Hero of "The Perfect Storm", as featured in the blockbuster book and movie. The City of Portsmouth, VA has just voted to invite the Zuni/Tamaroa to homeport on that city's "Old Town" waterfront. Before we can make that journey, however, the funding necessary to place the ship into drydock, have her bottom repaired, the entire ship repainted, and have her original WWII armament reinstalled, has to be secured. Once this is completed she will begin her new career as an official training ship for thousands of Navy and Marine JROTC Cadets each year. In addition, she will become a major tourist attraction for Portsmouth and a popular destination for military reunion groups for many years to come.
More historical information and current news items concerning this ship's importance as both a, soon-to-be, National Historic Landmark, and an important part of the training of future Navy and Marine leaders can be found below:
• Contact ZUNI Maritime Foundation:
Tom Robinson, Director of Publicity
Zuni Maritime Foundation / 804-240-4065
On the WEB: http://www.zunitamaroa.org/
Membership Application: Click HERE
Make a Donation: Click HERE