Cascade General completed the major five-week upgrading and reflagging of the 33,800 gt passenger cruiseship Patriot at the end of last year. Owned by United States Lines (USL), the five-week project was the first-ever reflag of a foreign cruiseship by the US Coast Guard (USCG), and required an Act of Congress to allow an exemption to the Jones Act. Following her final assignment as a floating hotel during last year's Sydney Olympics, the 17-year-old ship officially changed ownership before entering the Columbia River. Detailed advance planning by the US shipyard ensured that work began in four specific areas the moment she arrived, including new bow and stern thrusters, refitting of three public spaces (to suit the Hawaiian market), complete upgrading of USCG-approved safety equipment, and identity change.
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