Maine State Ferry Service will unveil a new $9 million ferry to serve the island of Vinalhaven beginning in May. The new ferry is named after Richard G. Spear, class of 1943-2, and will replace the Capt. Charles Philbrook, which has serviced the route for the past 30 years.

Richard G. Spear, class of 1943-2

In 1942, he enrolled in the second class of the newly established Maine Maritime Academy, where he graduated from the school’s second class in 1943, with honors, and with a third mate’s license. He was a commissioned ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve, where he reported to the Liberty Ship “Henry Jocelyn.”

In the Merchant Marines during World War II, Captain Spear served in the Atlantic, Pacific and Mediterranean war zones. In later years, he received a bachelor’s of marine science degree, and held an unlimited master’s license for ships of any size, any tonnage, on any ocean.

In 1959, Captain Spear became the first employee and assistant manager of the Maine State Ferry Service. Later, he was appointment manager of the Ferry Service, and he held that position for 30 years until his retirement in 1989.

Read Full Bangor Daily News Article – 2/25/2020

Photo: Maine State Ferry Service and Billy R. Sims

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