Story
This tug was built in 1945 by Bellingham Iron Works Inc..
Historical Notes
George Schneider (May 2026) writes: This vessel was loaned to the Port of Stockton at some unrecorded date, but was transferred to their ownership when due for disposal in 1985. As Black Bear she served as the seamanship trainer for towing classes at the Maritime Academy.
She couldn't structurally comply with the towing vessel inspection standard known as "Subchapter M" so had to be reclassed as a recreational vessel, but has a waiver for counting as towing experience for her trainees.
Owners & Masters
In 1945-1985 she was owned by the United States Navy.
In 1985 she was owned by the Port of Stockton, Stockton CA USA.
In 1988-2026 She was owned by the California Maritime Academy.
Name Significance
The training ships of the California Maritime Academy were traditionally named for "bears" in the shadow of the training ship Golden Bear, and this one was named for Betty Black, long term employee at the school who was retiring in 1988 and considered worthy of having her name perpetuated.
References
www.navsource.org ↗ (website viewed 13/04/2024)
