Launch of Seattle Tacoma Shipbuilding Co. Hull #3, the Cape Cleare. The launch was held November 29, 1940 and was not open to the public. The Cape Cleare was the 3rd of a quintet of 415 foot merchant motorships contracted by the U.S. Maritime Commission. All five would be identical cargo vessels with room for eight passengers plus a crew of 40, built at a cost of $2, 125,00 each. The ultra modern vessels were welded steel throughout. The keel for third vessel was laid August 7th and it was scheduled for completion late in February. The Cape Cleare was named after a prominent headland in Alaska. Mrs. William E. Boeing was the sponsor. TPL-1851 (T. Times 11/12/1940, pg. 1)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950;

At Work portrait of Carl Brusberg of Seattle-Tacoma (Sea-Tac) Shipbuilding Corporation. Mr. Brusberg was the electrical foreman at the shipyard. [Also dated 10-07-1941]

Brusberg, Carl; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma)--People;

On April 17, 1941, the 205th Coast Artillery anti-aircraft unit conducted a defense practice at the Sea-Tac shipyards. Pictured is a camouflaged communications post. The 205th Coast Artillery was stationed at Fort Lewis. It was non divisional, attached directly to the IX Corps of the Fourth Army. The Seattle-Tacoma shipyards were considered a vulnerable target in case of attack and therefore were chosen as the site of a mock raid. The 205th strung itself on the tideflats and the surrounding hillsides, defending the shipyard and other industries from air raids by the planes of the 116th. (T. Times 4/16/1941, pg. 1)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); 205th Coast Artillery (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Military training;

On April 17, 1941, the 205th Coast Artillery anti-aircraft unit participated in "war games" at the industrial waterfront of Tacoma. The unit was defending the industrial lands, particularly the shipyards, from attack by airplane. Here, soldiers set up a large anti-aircraft cannon in a grove of trees located across the highway from Rayonier, Inc. (T. Times 4/18/1941, pg. 1)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); 205th Coast Artillery (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Military training;

Photograph taken for the U.S. Maritime Commission of Hull # M.C. 121- C 1 B Cargo. The hull, numbered locally as Hull #3 and launched in November 1940 as the Cape Cleare, is shown at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. outfitting berth. Photograph is taken looking forward from midships. TPL-1871

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

In October of 1941, as the shift ends at the Seattle Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp., a long line of automobiles winds its way down Alexander Ave. into the city. The roadway of Alexander Ave. was only 18 feet wide, creating a long line of traffic. Recent work had increased the roadbed to 36 feet in width. The shipyard currently employed 3,000 and would be adding an additional 5,000 jobs in the next few months. (T. Times 10/10/1941, pg. 1)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--War work--Tacoma; Automobiles--1940-1950; Traffic congestion--Tacoma--1940-1950;

By October of 1941, the Seattle-Tacoma (Sea-Tac) Shipbuilding Corporation on Tacoma's Tideflats employed 3,000 workers, most of whom drove back and forth to work. The workers' cars filled a large lot at the end of Alexander Avenue, just north of the Hooker Chemical plant (which is in the background). When the workday was over, there was only one way back into the city, down Alexander Avenue, onto East 11th Street and across the 11th street (now Murray Morgan) Bridge, creating a massive traffic jam. The shipyard was planning to add 5,000 more workers in the next few months and the city was working on a traffic flow solution. (T. Times, 10/07/1941]

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--War work--Tacoma; Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Parking lots--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobiles--1940-1950; Traffic congestion--Tacoma--1940-1950;

ca. 1940. Bow view of freighter "Cape Flattery", second vessel launched by the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation. The Cape Flattery served as a troopship beginning in 1943. The vessel was scrapped in 1971. (Argentum)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

ca. 1940. Side view of freighter Cape Flattery, second vessel launched by the Sea-Tac Shipyard, at anchor. (Argentum)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

American Red Cross publicity. Pledge Board at Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation. TPL-1961

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

At 10 am on Thursday, October 23, 1941, 500 welders at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation walked out in sympathy with their striking Seattle brothers. Lake Washington workers had been locked out after joining an unaffiliated welders union; the conclusion to a 20 year fight with the American Federation of Labor for the right to form their own union. Welders were currently scattered among eight unions and were required to pay dues to two or more unions at the same time. By October 28th, picketers had effectively brought the shipyard to a standstill as welders and sympathizers refused to cross the picket lines. The Tacoma shipyard held 100 million in unfinished defense contracts. This photograph from October 28th demonstrates the peaceful, but loud, picketing. A truck has been halted by picketers at the shipyard entrance. The loud speakers at the left belonged to the welders, the ones to the right (over the truck) belonged to the AFL Metal Trades Council. A constant war of words had been raging for several days. (T. Times 10/23/1941, pg.1; 10/29/41, pg. 1 il)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Mr. and Mrs. Frederick P. Dravis and their daughter Virginia attended the 39th launching at the Tacoma yard of the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation on May 6, 1943. "The Keeweenaw," a US airplane carrier, was being launched. Mr. Dravis was the owner of Dravis Engineering & Machine Works of Tacoma. He was a naval architect and marine engineer. While holding for a radio broadcast of the ceremony to begin, the vessel slipped down the ways, launching itself five minutes early. (TNT 5/7/1943, pg. 1)

Dravis, Frederick P.--Family; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Co. workers line up to purchase War Bonds during the Second War Loan Drive, 4/12- 5/1/1943. In addition to long term investment in bonds (the Payroll Savings Plan), specific short term campaigns were also held. There were eight bond drives altogether during World War II. The War Finance Committees, responsible for the sale of bonds, sold a total of 185.7 Billion in securities during WWII, a feat that has never been equalled. By the end of the war, 8 out of every 13 Americans had invested in war bonds.

War bonds & funds; World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Hard hatted workers line up at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Co. to purchase war bonds during the Second War Loan Drive held 4/12-5/1/1943. By the end of the drive, Americans had purchased 18.5 billion in war bonds, 5 billion over the 13 billion goal. This proceeds from this drive alone equalled over 90 % of the amount raised by the combined drives of World War I.

War bonds & funds; World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

The Federal Government began a major war bond drive on April 12, 1943 to raise $13 billion. Volunteer workers by the thousands set out throughout the United States to garner signatures and sell bonds, while newspapers and radios proclaimed from coast to coast: "Uncle Sam needs the money to help pay for the war." An unidentified woman worker at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp., located on Tacoma's waterfront, is shown receiving a bond from a volunteer bond drive worker. [Also dated 04-12-1943] TPL-792

War bonds & funds; World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma;

The Tacoma yard of the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. broke all their previous records in payroll war savings and the purchase of extra war bonds during the month of April 1943. They had already collected $379,518.84 locally in payroll deductions toward the national goal of $13 billion. Pictured are War Bond department manager Anson Hart and chief clerk (standing) Mrs. May McDowell. Typing certificates are Virginia Carlbloom, left, and Lillian Marshall. (TNT 4/20/1943, pg. 15- picture; T.Times, 4/20/43, p.10) [Also dated 04-12-9143]

War bonds & funds; World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Hart, Anson; McDowell, May; Carlbloom, Virginia; Marshall, Lillian;

The Tacoma Times honored defense worker mothers of active servicemen on our nation's second wartime Mother's Day in May of 1943. On page 1 was this picture of Mrs. C.W. Greening, mother of one of Tacoma's most famous servicemen Major Ross Greening, a pilot with the heroic Tokyo Air Raiders, led by Jimmy Doolittle. Mrs. Greening was employed by the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Co. Tacoma plant in the payroll department. Her son had been one of the pilots in the top secret raid on mainland Japan on April 18, 1942, that slowed down the Japanese war machine and gave a boost to American morale. The land based 16 B-25s took off from the deck of the aircraft carrier Hornet and carried out the war's first bombing raid on Japan. All but one of the aircraft crash landed or the crew bailed out. Major Greening and his crew bailed out and reached China safely. In 1943, he was stationed in North Africa, where he was shot down and captured in July of 1943. He survived the war and continued in a distinguished military career until his death in 1957. (T. Times 5/8/1943 p.1)

World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Mothers; Greening, C.W.--Family; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma)--People;

In April of 1943, the Treasury T flag was presented to the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp., Tacoma yard. Karl Richards, of the Washington war savings staff, made a speech to thousands of workers at the ceremony. "Remember this flag represents a prosperous peace and our future happiness. Keep it flying." The "minuteman" flag was presented to defense companies where 90 % of the employees pledged at least 10% of their salaries to the purchase of war bonds. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol.1, No.7; May 8, 1943, pg. 2)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); War bonds & funds; Awards; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma;

In April of 1943, the Treasury T flag was presented to the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp., Tacoma yard. It would wave at the entrance of the plant, right below the American flag, proving that the employees were true patriots. The flag was awarded to defense companies where 90 % of the employees invested at least 10% of their salaries in war bonds. Displaying the flag shortly after its presentation are Karl Richards, standing left, state war savings director, and George F. Kachlein, Jr., assistant general manger, kneeling left, to workers Harold Morgan, Cliff Dodson and Al Elgner. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol.1, No.7; May 8, 1943, pg. 2)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); War bonds & funds; Awards; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; Kachlein, George; Morgan, Harold; Dodson, Cliff; Elgner, Al;

Karl Richards, left, state war savings staff director, congratulates Bert O'Hiser, center, for his purchase of a $1,000 war savings bond and commends his support of the men in the armed services. Assistant general manager of the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp., Tacoma yard, George F. Kachlein, Jr. observes from right. Mr. Richards was at the Sea-Tac Shipyard to present the employees with a Treasury T flag in late April of 1943. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol.1, No.7; May 8, 1943, pg.2)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); War bonds & funds; Awards; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; O'Hiser, Bert; Kachlein, George;

In February of 1943, three unidentified young female employees at the Sea-Tac Shipyard in Tacoma sat on a counter during a break while they shared the newest, and possibly the first, edition of the Sea-Tac Keel. The "Keel" was the in-house publication of the Seattle Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation. It helped keep the over 28,000 defense workers who worked at Tacoma's mammoth shipbuilding yard both informed and entertained.

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Newspapers; World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma;

In 1943, the Seattle-Tacoma Shipyard was running 24 hours a day, busy with defense work. Lee Gundstrom was employed on the swing shift. He had come to the shipyard as a pipe-fitter when the swing shift began late in 1940. The main job his crew performed was a military secret that even the Keel wouldn't divulge. Tacoma native Lee and his wife Sue lived at 5017 No. Vassault. His hobby away from work was taking care of his Victory Garden. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol. 1 No. 7, Pg 8, May 8, 1943 issue)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--War work--Tacoma; Gundstrom, Lee;

Earl L. Markham was photographed with his stud welder in April of 1943. He set a new record at the Tacoma yard of the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. when he slapped in 477 studs in a flight deck in 58 minutes. Just how many was that? Well, 600 was an average day's work. Modest Markham credited his co-workers and admitted it was a little hard on his back. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol. 1 No. 7, Pg 6, May 8, 1943 issue)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--War work--Tacoma; Markham, Earl L.; Welding;

War workers came in all ages, shapes and sizes, their only common trait being that they were not qualified for active military duty. For example, Frank Mason, Seattle-Tacoma Shipyard's Chief Marine Engineer in 1943, was 70 years old. He had been a Chief for 50 years, 21 of them with Luckenbach Steamship Lines. He first steamed around Cape Horn in 1892 and had been through the Panama Canal so many times that it seemed commonplace. Patriotism kept him at his job in wartime, when he might have retired in peacetime. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol. II, No. II, pg. 8; July 24, 1943 issue)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma)--People; Mason, Frank;

Peter DeBriyn (DeBriejn in the City Directory) was a man of "Firsts." He was the first burner at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipyard. He was the first to pass the arc welder's test and had never been late or absent in the 40 months since he had begun work at Sea-Tac. The first shift burner foreman had a personal interest in keeping the ships sliding down the ways, his son had recently enlisted in the Navy the day he turned 17. Pete and his wife Edna lived at 413 So. 32nd. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol. 1 No. 7, Pg 8, May 8, 1943 issue)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--War work--Tacoma; DeBriejn, Peter;

Governor Arthur Langlie, center, and the Earl of Athlone, Governor-General of Canada and husband of Princess Alice, with Army and Naval Officers in 1923 Lincoln touring car at Sea-Tac Shipyards. Alexander, the 1st Earl of Athlone, was the brother of Queen Mary of England and the husband of HRH Princess Alice, daughter of HRH Leopard, son of Queen Victoria. He is seated in the rear seat, between Sea-Tac General Manager O.A. Tucker and Capt. J.L. McGuigan, USN, and has a prominent mustache. The visit to the shipyard was scheduled to last 30 minutes and, due to the interest of the royal couple, extended an hour beyond that. The tour included this unscheduled drive along Pier 4 and the ways to inspect a carrier at Dock 3. ALBUM 3. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol.1 No.7, May 8, 1943, pg. 3)

Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Governors; Visits of state--Tacoma; Nobility--England; Alexander of Teck, Earl of Athlone; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Governor Arthur Langlie, center, and the Earl of Athlone, Governor-General of Canada and husband of HRH Princess Alice, with Army and Naval Officers in a 1923 Lincoln at Sea-Tac Shipyards. The Earl is seated in the last row between Sea-Tac General Manager O.A. Tucker and an American naval officer believed to be Capt. J. L. McGuigan, supervisor of shipbuilding and official escort. The royal couple was in Tacoma to view the escort aircraft carriers currently being built at the shipyards. (T.Times 5-4-43, p. 3, T. Times 5-5-43, p. 1) ALBUM 3.

Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Governors; Visits of state--Tacoma; Nobility--England; Alexander, Earl of Athlone; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

The Earl of Athlone, Governor-General of Canada and husband of HRH Princess Alice, during visit to the Sea-Tac Shipyard on May 4, 1943. As Governor-General of Canada, he was also its Commander-in-Chief. He and his wife paid an official visit to the shipyards to view the escort aircraft carriers being built. He got a first-hand examination of the U.S.S. Pybus, #29, and stood on its deck. 69 at the time of this photograph, the Earl of Athlone had extensive military training and experience. He had strong ties to British royalty as he was married to a granddaughter of Queen Victoria and was the brother of Queen Mary. He passed away on January 16, 1957, at Kensington Palace, the site of his birth 83 years earlier. ALBUM 3.

Visits of state--Tacoma; Nobility--England; Alexander, Earl of Athlone; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

In late April of 1943, George F Kachlein Jr., left, accepted the Treasury T flag for the workers of the Tacoma yard of the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. from Karl Richards. He solemnly promised to keep the flag flying high. The flag was given by the Treasury department to recognize defense companies where 90 % of employees contributed 10% of their salaries to the purchase of war bonds. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol. 1 No. 7; May 8, 1943, pg. 2)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); War bonds & funds; Awards; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; Kachlein, George;

Motorcade led by 1923 Lincoln Touring automobile containing Governor Arthur Langlie and the Earl of Athlone, Governor-General and Commander in Chief of Canada and husband of HRH Princess Alice, with Army and Naval Officers at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipyards. The Earl, with his wife in another vehicle, was touring the shipyards in order to see the escort aircraft carriers being built. He was Alexander, the 1st Earl of Athlone, and brother of Queen Mary. A graduate of the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, the Earl had seen action in the South African War and the First World War. He changed his surname from Teck to Cambridge in 1917, the year his title, 1st Earl of Athlone, was created. (T.Times 5-4-43, p. 6, T. Times 5-5-43, p. 1) ALBUM 3.

Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Governors; Visits of state--Tacoma; Nobility--England; Alexander, Earl of Athlone; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);