Ship's Acceptance Delayed

Another delay in the U.S. Coast Guard's acceptance of the new icebreaker Mackinaw won't affect the ship's Dec. 17 arrival date in Cheboygan, according to Coast Guard officials The skipper and crew have been beset by a series of hold-ups in refining the ship's systems by the Marinette Marine Corporation to the satisfaction of the Coast Guard. A scheduled acceptance ceremony was postponed from Tuesday until Thursday until more details can be completed. The vessel is scheduled to undergo loading of supplies and a training period before departing the Menominee River Dec. 8 for a shake-down cruise that is scheduled to end in Cheboygan Dec. 17. Once the Coast Guard accepts the ship as delivered, the countdown begins towards the Mackinaw's arrival in its homeport. Source: Tribune