The S.S. Cape Island, a familiar sight along Ruston Way in Tacoma, has quietly set sail on a new mission. Typically docked near the Tacoma waterfront, the vessel departed on January 2 and arrived in Everett on January 5, according to marine tracking data. But beyond that, details are scarce.
Shrouded in Secrecy: Mission Unknown
A spokesperson from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD), which oversees the Cape Island, confirmed that the ship is on an active mission — but offered no specifics. They didn’t share the mission’s purpose, the destination, or even how long the deployment might last.
This secrecy isn’t unusual. The Cape Island is part of MARAD’s Ready Reserve Force (RRF) — a fleet of 44 ships maintained to assist with rapid military deployments. These ships are used primarily to transport military equipment for the U.S. Army and Marine Corps when needed on short notice.
What is the Cape Island?
Built in 1976, the Cape Island is a 208-meter-long cargo and logistics vessel. It’s designed to be activated quickly and is normally kept in a semi-operational state — docked but ready to be called upon at a moment’s notice.
For years, Tacoma residents became familiar with the Cape Island as it sat idle alongside another ship, the S.S. Cape Intrepid. Together, they were a part of the Ruston Way skyline. That changed in July 2025, when MARAD relocated the Cape Intrepid to Beaumont, Texas, before retiring it in October of the same year.
Now, the Cape Island stands alone — or rather, sails alone.
Where Is the Cape Island Headed?
The last confirmed location is Everett, Washington, but its final destination remains classified. Given its role in the Ready Reserve Force, the ship could be involved in anything from transporting military gear to participating in joint military exercises or responding to global emergencies. Unless MARAD releases more information, we may not know the details until after the mission is complete.
Tacoma’s Waterfront Looks a Little Different
With the Cape Intrepid gone and the Cape Island now deployed, the Ruston Way shoreline feels quieter. The two ships had become almost like static landmarks, with many locals associating them with Tacoma’s port identity. Their absence, even if temporary, marks a noticeable change in the landscape.
Still, the departure of the Cape Island is a reminder of the ship’s real purpose: serving the nation when needed — not just standing still as a backdrop to the city’s waterfront.
