FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 16, 2002

Contact: Tom Robinson Telephone: 804-240-4065 E-mail: liaison@usa.com Web: www.tamaroa.org

The historic vessel Tamaroa/Zuni, whose history stretches from the sands of Iwo Jima to the seas of "The Perfect Storm," has finally found a homeport. After a seven-year odyssey of being decommissioned, parked, abandoned, auctioned off, purchased, and sold again, she is to be donated to the Tamaroa Maritime Foundation.

WHAT:	The Tamaroa is presently moored in Baltimore, Maryland. The Foundation has taken formal custodianship of vessel as of Saturday, March 16, 2002. By May 1, 2002 the Tamaroa must be moved from her present location, either to a temporary location in Baltimore, or all the way to Richmond.
WHEN:	April 20 and April 21; 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
WHERE:	Tidewater Yacht Services; 1020 Key Highway; Baltimore, MD
WHO:	Up to 60 former and retired Navy, Marine and Coast Guard personnel who served on similar ships from the 50' through the 80's (enginemen, electricians, controlmen, boatswain's mates, quartermasters, etc.) will get the "Tam" ready to put to sea under her own power.

The Foundation is a newly formed 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.