Legendary McFarland ship decommissioned after nearly six decades of service

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has lowered the flags on the hopper dredge McFarland, marking the end of service for a vessel that spent nearly six decades helping maintain waterways across the country.

Dignitaries, crew members and civilians gathered in Southwest Philadelphia for a decommissioning ceremony honoring the 59-year-old ship, which was used for decades to dredge the Delaware River and other waterways.

“Many know her, she’s a bit of an icon,” said Capt. Stanley Kostka.

Known for its size and capabilities, the McFarland has operated in ports along the East Coast and beyond. Kostka noted that the vessel can hold enough fuel to travel around the world. It has 10 floors and 14 decks.

“I’ve spent about half of my life aboard this ship,” Kostka said.

Kostka joined the vessel as an intern and worked his way up to become one of the ships captains. For him and others, the ceremony marked both a celebration and a farewell.

“I’m glad to see it go out with a lot of pomp and circumstance, but I’m a little heartbroken to see it go,” said Capt. Mike Hass who also captains the ship.

The McFarland played a key role in maintaining navigational channels by helping preserve the depths needed for maritime traffic.

“The McFarland has had an incredible service life working in ports from Texas all the way up to Maine,” Kostka said.

Hass emphasized the importance of dredging operations to commerce.

“Everything imported into the country relies on the navigational channels staying to their prescribed depth so the ships can transit,” he said.

The vessel has been docked at Fort Mifflin in Southwest Philadelphia since 1983. It was built in 1967.

Among those attending the ceremony was Laura London, the great-granddaughter of Arthur McFarland, the Army Corps civil engineer for whom the vessel was named.

Pointing to her mother and aunt standing alongside her, she noted her family’s involvement in the ship’s christening in 1967.

“Their mom, who was my grandmother, was the one who hit the champagne bottle,” London said, referring to the ship’s christening.

“I think it really is an honor and a legacy for certainly my whole life and their whole lives as well,” she said.

The McFarland family joined others in offering a final farewell to the ship. According to the Army Corps, the vessel will be auctioned to the Maritime Administration, which is part of the federal government, and likely have some of its parts recycled and used in other vessels if possible.

Before leaving the ship, Kostka reflected on its legacy.

“She’s an impressive ship. She’s beautiful,” he said.

The Army Corps of Engineers is building another hopper dredge to replace the McFarland. The replacement vessel is expected to be completed in early 2028 and will be docked at the same Southwest Philadelphia location now occupied by the McFarland.

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