It is a good thing Washington State DOT was not managing Navy shipyards during WW II. I recently watched the story of the aircraft carrier Lexington. Japan thought they sunk it at least three times in less than three years. Thanks to shipyard managers who could make decisions and get things done the Lexington became known as the Gray Ghost due to shipyard restoration.

Eight years to replace four ferries, what is wrong with this picture? In the same amount of time we managed to go from a manned sub-orbital rocket flight to a landing on the moon.

Why not scrap the hulls below the waterline? Having ridden on these ferries the topside creature comforts are more than adequate for a 45 minute ride. Transplant the machinery if new equipment is not available, and get the job done. Maybe we can create some work for the laid off workers at Nichols Bros.

Dave Flomerfelt

Oak Harbor