The Manitowoc Company, Inc. has launched the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Fir, the thirteenth ship in a series of 16 seagoing buoy tenders being built at Manitowoc's Marinette Marine subsidiary. This 225-ft. Juniper-class vessel is part of a series of contracts that were awarded to Marinette in 1993 and 1998. "Like its sister vessels, the Fir contains the most advanced technology available for buoy tenders," said Terry D. Growcock, Manitowoc's president and chief executive officer. "We believe the new FIR is as strong as Manitowoc's commitment to the U.S. The launch ceremony, which took place August 18, featured Vice Admiral Thomas J. Barrett, Vice Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, as the keynote speaker.