Where Are They Now?

Launch N^o 5

Read All About Launch 5 at http://launch5.com

After raising her from the bottom of the Passaic River in 1998, Greg Porteus spent four years in an intense restoration project. beginning with a complete hull replacement below the water line and culminating with the installation of two new Caterpillar Diesels. After being rededicated in her original name, the Patrolman Walburger, she made her maiden voyage in the Summer of 2002 and is not in active duty as a productive member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 6-7. 

Harbor Unit tradition calls for vessels in their fleet to be named after slain officers. Patrolman Henry Walburger was assigned to the 9th Precinct where, on July 27, 1964, he was gunned down in the line of duty. When Launch N^o5 was commissioned in the late 1960's she was named after Patrolman Walburger. After restoration, rededicating her with the original name seemed the only option for Greg and the Walburger family was thrilled. The original mahogany name placards were donated to Greg and were affixed to the boat.

More photos of her restoration and USCG Aux patrols in the Hudson River and can be viewed at http://launch5.com/