2006.61.21

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Launching of the S.S. "John E. Wilkie"
8-Jul-43
11 in HIGH x 14. in WIDE
(27.94 cm HIGH x 35.56 cm WIDE)
Gift of Mrs. Mary Lew Chinn
2006.61.21

Launching Day of the S.S. "John E. Wilkie," Permanente Metals Corporation, Shipyard Number Two, Richmond, California. July 8, 1943. Photograph No. 2L-19





The S.S. John E. Wilkie stands in scaffolding at slip 10, with helmeted workers preparing it for launch. There are many other workers doing various tasks and several uniformed guards. A crane is in the process of loading something on to the new ship. On the right is slip #9. At slip 10 a sign has been erected "Hull 1588, Boat Foreman D. Carlson, keel laid June 17, 1943, Launched July 8, 1943, Erection: tons erected today/5 to date3036, MAN HOURS: today/8431 to date/98000, Assembly platform tons erected 1732. To the right and aft is a light standard with many strong lights used at night; another light standard is to the left and aft of the ship.

The shipyards in Richmond operated 24 hours a day. The light standards pictured here are indicative of the powerful lighting that gave workers the ability to work not only the day shift, but the swing shift and the graveyard shift as well.

Used: souvenir

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