FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 6, 2002

Contact: Tom Robinson Executive Director Telephone: 804-240-4065 E-mail: liaison@usa.com

Richmond, Virginia -- Richmond Mayor Rudolph C. McCollum, while on a trade visit to Korea, signed a formal proclamation inviting the former USCGC Tamaroa to make its homeport in Richmond, Virginia. The City of Richmond will allocate $1,000,000 for infrastructure improvements to the Richmond Intermediate Terminal (lighting, water, sewer, electrical shore power, parking, building repairs, tourist signage, etc.) in anticipation of the Tamaroa's arrival.

The Tamaroa will become the jewel in the crown of a new maritime museum complex to be based out of the Intermediate Terminal facility. The museum will highlight Richmond's rich maritime heritage as well as the unsung role of working vessels (tugs, and other auxillary vessels) such as the Tamaroa.

The Tamaroa and the Maritime Museum will be run by the newly formed Tamaroa Maritime Foundation. The foundation is a non-profit organization located in Richmond, Virginia, whose mission is to preserve the ship in an operational condition and 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 one being as a maritime educational platform.

The Tamaroa will be made available to Sea Cadets, Sea Scouts, Navy and Marine ROTC and JROTC programs and others.

The Tamaroa will also be accessible to the general public as a National Historic Landmark. Tours of the ship, static displays, scheduled live demonstrations will be among the many aspects the public will experience when they visit the 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.

The Tamaroa Maritime Foundation is now searching for volunteers, funding, information and materials pertaining to the rich history of the Tamaroa/Zuni.