Those of you who know me pretty well know that I have a fascination for ships and boats. I’ve even written previously about the decommissioning ceremony of the USCGC Sundew that I attended a year ago in May. Next weekend my friend Steve W. and I are making the trip to Marinette, WI to watch the launch of the USCGC Mackinaw. The Mackinaw is the replacement for the — get this — USCGC Mackinaw. The current Mackinaw is a legend on the Great Lakes. She is the only heavy, purpose built ice breaker on the Great Lakes. Her mission is simple — break ice on the lakes to keep the ships moving as long as possible in the Fall and as early as possible in the Spring. She has done her job well, and after 61 years of continuous service, she is finally being replaced.

The new Mackinaw is also designed to be a heavy ice breaker. She is being named Mackinaw because of the legendary success of the current Mackinaw. The new Mackinaw is an interesting design departure from the current one. The new Mack is smaller than her predecessor. She is only 280 feet in length, in contrast to the current one, which is 300 feet in length. In addition, the new Mack is the first US ice breaker to use a Z-Drive propulsion pod instead of a traditional shaft and screw setup. The Z-Drive will make her very maneuverable and will make it easier for her to be used for other jobs like buoy tending when she is not breaking ice.

The launch should be a blast. It will be a dramatic side launch into the Menominee River which will create a huge splash. I’ve seen video of the smaller Hollyhock Class 240 Cutters being launched this way. Very impressive. I’m also expecting the ceremony to be cool as well.

I know what you are thinking. I’m such a nerd…..

–Pete