US Navy Trivia
Commissioned in 1794, this ship—nicknamed “Old Ironsides”—remains the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat.
What is the USS Constitution?
This U.S. Marine Corps pilot became the first American to orbit Earth in 1962—and later served as a U.S. Senator from Ohio.
Who is John Glenn?
Incorporated in 1875, this nickname—borrowed from a Native American word for nearby Mount Rainier—reflects Tacoma’s indigenous heritage.
What is the “City of Destiny”?
Founded in 1916 in Chicago, Bell & Gossett became a pioneer in this type of system commonly used for heating and cooling large buildings.
What are hydronic systems?
In the early 1800s, this Scottish engineer revolutionized transportation by building the first practical steam locomotive.
Who is George Stephenson?
The U.S. Navy’s elite special operations force, established in 1962 and trained for sea, air, and land missions, is known by this acronym.
What are the Navy SEALs?
An Academy Award–winning actress known for films like Fatal Attraction and Dangerous Liaisons, she’s regarded as one of Hollywood’s most accomplished leading women.
Who is Glenn Close?
Tacoma was chosen as the western terminus of this major railroad in the late 1800s, sparking the city’s early economic boom.
What is the Northern Pacific Railroad?
This Bell & Gossett pump series, easily recognized by its red color and in-line design, has been a staple in commercial HVAC applications for decades.
What is the Series 60 pump?
Long before espresso machines, steam was used in this 18th-century invention that made it possible to power textile mills and factories.
What is the steam engine?
This massive aircraft carrier, commissioned in 2017, is the lead ship of a new class featuring electromagnetic catapults.
What is the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78)?
This Glenn was the guitarist and founding member of the Eagles, co-writing hits like Heartache Tonight and New Kid in Town.
Who is Glenn Frey?
This world-famous glass artist, born in Tacoma in 1941, helped make the city an international center for glass art.
Who is Dale Chihuly?
This modern B&G product line uses smart technology and ECM motors to automatically adjust speed for system efficiency and energy savings.
What is the ecocirc® or e-Series smart pump?
In modern hospitals, this steam-based process is used to sterilize surgical instruments and equipment.
What is autoclaving?
Fought in June 1942, this pivotal World War II battle turned the tide in the Pacific in favor of the United States.
What is the Battle of Midway?
A jazz icon of the swing era, this trombonist and bandleader made “In the Mood” a timeless classic before disappearing during a 1944 flight over the English Channel.
Who is Glenn Miller?
Tacoma’s iconic bridge over the Narrows earned the nickname “Galloping Gertie” after it dramatically collapsed in 1940 due to wind-induced oscillation.
What is the Tacoma Narrows Bridge?
A key component in hydronic systems, Bell & Gossett’s “AQS” and “Rolairtrol” models remove this unwanted element that can cause noise and corrosion.
What is air?
This type of heating system uses steam to transfer thermal energy through radiators—still found in many historic buildings today.
What is steam heating?
This color-coded ceremony celebrates a sailor’s first crossing of the Equator, transforming them from a “pollywog” into a “shellback.”
What is the Line-Crossing Ceremony?
This country music singer, actor, and television host rose to fame in the 1960s with hits like Rhinestone Cowboy and Gentle on My Mind.
Who is Glen Campbell?
Located in Tacoma’s Point Defiance Park, this attraction opened in 1905 and is home to sea otters, sharks, and a world-class Pacific Seas Aquarium.
What is the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium?
The company’s “Little Red Schoolhouse,” opened in 1954, provides technical education for engineers and contractors in this Illinois city.
What is Morton Grove, Illinois?
Steam is even used in the food industry to cook this type of crustacean quickly, turning it from grayish-blue to bright red.
What is lobster?