Thank you for your support of the system over the past 50 years! Comments you shared last year were inspiring. We will be revealing many of your fantastic ideas, stories, and photographs throughout the anniversary year.
From humble beginnings with one ferry and three communities, the Alaska Marine Highway has grown over the past 50 years to include 11 vessels serving 35 communities. Our journey has brought many cherished memories to Alaskans and visitors alike while providing safe, reliable transportation across 3,500 miles.
One of our favorite comments came from Betty J. Marksheffel who described her feelings when she saw the Malaspina arrive in Ketchikan for the first time in 1963. "Something happened at that moment - THE FEELING OF ISOLATION WENT AWAY! - as I watched the ship coming up the channel. What a beautiful uplifting sight that was. We could take our car, or walk onboard and GO SOMEWHERE! Our highway had arrived!"
50 years later, we are still taking people to amazing places. We have many exciting things planned for our anniversary year.
- We've created the Golden Ticket as a chance for you to enter and win free passenger travel on the Alaska Marine Highway.
- Visit one of our offices, terminals or vessels to see the new flags inspired by a suggestion from our Terminal Manager in Petersburg, Richard Patteson.
- Throughout the anniversary year, we will be hosting community events and activities in many of the unique communities we visit. Stay tuned to Sea News to be the first to know about these exciting events.
This milestone gives us the opportunity to look back and reflect on our achievements and challenges over the history of the system as well as the chance to look forward to future improvements for many years to come. We hope you'll join us and be part of our anniversary celebrations!
Captain John Falvey
General Manager
Alaska Marine Highway System
