>> Click to enlarge << The spectacular side launching of the James ...

Marinette Marine Corporation has launched the fifth United States Coast Guard Buoy Tender named after a famous lighthouse keeper.

>> Click to enlarge << Things are a lot different today at Fort Point ... Photo by: Dalene Thomas

In ceremonies in held in Marinette, Wisconsin the vessel had a spectacular side launch into the Menomonie River after being christened by Laurie Stupak, Mayor of Menominee and wife of Congressmen Bart Stupak.

The JAMES RANKIN's namesake served as keeper of East Brother Light and Fort Point Light, both located in San Francisco Bay. Keeper Rankin was one of the most famous keepers to serve on the west coast of the United States and is credited with saving 18 lives during his years of service. What's even more amazing is that he served for a total of 41 years at Fort Point Light. His three children and eight of his grand-children were born at the lighthouse.

This story appeared in the July 1998 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. The print edition contains more stories than our internet edition, and each story generally contains more photographs - often many more - in the print edition. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.

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