Launch #2 at the Seattle Tacoma Shipbuilding Co., the launching of the Cape Flattery. The 416 foot motorship was launched on September 28, 1940. The ultra modern merchant vessel was more than half finished at the time of its launching. Already in place were the two 2200 horsepower diesel engines and the all steel deck houses, designed to house 43 seamen and 8 passengers. The cost of the vessel tipped the scale at $2,127,000. (T. Times 9/27/1940, 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;

Employees of the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Co. pose proudly prior to the launch of their second vessel, the Cape Flattery. The Cape Flattery was the second of five contracted vessels. It was named after the location of the most northwestern United States lighthouse, where the Puget Sound joins the sea. Workers were understandably proud, the vessel was built in record time.

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

Cape Flattery and Cape Alava, vessels 1 & 2 to be built at the new Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Co., pictured docked next to each other. The cargo motorships were the first two of the "C-1" type to be launched. Hull #3 would be launched in late November. The ships were 413 feet long, 5,000 gross tons and carried two 4,000 horsepower diesel engines, enabling them to reach a sea speed of 14 1/2 knots. The ship yard was the recent recipient of a number of vessel contracts and now employed 1200 men on two shifts.

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

Progress photograph of Hull #3 at Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Co. The shipyard was commissioned to build a total of five merchant ships. Two, the Cape Flattery and Cape Alava, had already been launched. TPL-1854

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

Progress photograph of Hull #3 at Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Co. The vessel was launched near the end of November of 1940 as the Cape Cleare. It was part of the shipyard's first contract for five 415 foot cargo ships. TPL-1852

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

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;

Large crane at the Seattle Tacoma shipyards. Their first launch, Cape Flattery, is in the background. The shipyard started in business with an order for five identical 415 foot cargo ships from the U.S. Maritime Commission. They would see their business quickly increase as America geared up for war. The company had one plant in Tacoma and one in Seattle.

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

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Co.; the first and third launches of the company are docked in the photograph. Cape Alava is in the foreground and Cape Cleare in the rear. The shipyard opened in 1939 at the site of the old Todd Shipyards, just in time to receive several lucrative wartime contracts. Todd Shipyards, of which the Seattle-Tacoma yard is a subsidiary, would soon be the biggest maritime company in the nation. STSC had over $200,000,000 in orders in January of 1941 and was planning the construction of four new yards.

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

Top officers of the Cape Alava and Cape Flattery. Hard hatted workers at the Seattle Tacoma shipyards leave the dock where finish work continues on the Cape Alava and Cape Flattery. The two merchant ships were the first two commissioned with the shipyard. (T. Times)

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

Progress photograph at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. Five women pose in front of the vessel Cape Alava. Cape Alava was the first launch of the company. Names written on the back of the photo include Ella Wise, Lois Bergery, and Delphine Stewart. The vessel had recently completed the first tests of her 4,000 horsepower diesel engines while docked at the STSB's fitting out wharf. She will soon make a trip to Seattle for drydocking and final adjustments. Her six hour sea trials are estimated to take place mid March. The ship is scheduled to take over the mail line for the Northwest Orient Route.

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

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;

On April 17, 1941, the 205th Coast Artillery anti-aircraft unit conducted defense practice at the Tacoma industrial waterfront. A large anti-aircraft cannon is set up among the trees across the highway from Rayonier Inc. The unit's goal was to protect industries, especially the shipyards, from attack by plane. (T. Times 4/18/1941, 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 conducted a trial run on defending Tacoma's industrial plants and shipyards from attack by airplane. One of the major problems was how to camouflage the over 200 trucks used to transport the men and equipment. Here boards are being used to disguise two of the trucks. (T. Times 4/18/1941, pg.1)

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

Laying of destroyer keel for "Hull #3," to be built at Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation (Sea-Tac), Seattle facility. Large group of men doff their hats while in front of steel keel piece on crane.

Boat & ship industry--Seattle; World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Seattle;

Laying of destroyer keel for "Hull #3," to be built at Seattle-Tacoma (Sea-Tac) Shipbuilding Corporation, Seattle facility. Large group of workers photographed on May 1, 1941.

Boat & ship industry--Seattle; World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Seattle;

Laying of destroyer keel for "Hull #3," to be built at Seattle-Tacoma (Sea-Tac) Shipbuilding Corporation, Seattle facility.

Boat & ship industry--Seattle; World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Seattle; Hoisting machinery;

Lincoln Electric Welders and automatic welders at Sea-Tac Shipyards.

Industries - Shipbuilding Industry - Tacoma - Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation World War II (1939-45) - Homefront

Crew of the Cape Alava before final departure from Tacoma. On completion, the cargo ship was assigned to the American Mail Line for the Northwest-Orient trade route. The first to be completed of five identical cargo ships, the Alava had accommodations for 8 passengers and a crew of 40.

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

Crew of the Cape Alava before final departure from Tacoma. The cargo ship has been assigned to the American Mail Line for service in the Northwest-Orient route.

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

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;

Tacoma Boat Building launched MSC-277, a 145-foot minesweeper built for the Navy, on June 30, 1958, in Sitcum Waterway. During the early 1950's, Tacoma's shipbuilding companies had garnered several contracts to build vessels for the government. This wooden minesweeper, however, was the first to be formally launched in nearly two years by a Tacoma firm. Tacoma Boat Building was awarded a contract to build four minesweepers for the Navy at a cost of approximately $7 million. Since then, the firm had received contracts totaling $4.25 million for six more Navy craft. The ship's sponsor was Mrs. Guy Garland, wife of the commander of the Tacoma Naval Station. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (TNT 6-27-58, A-1, TNT 6-29-58, B-2, TNT 7-1-58, A-6))

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Aerial view of Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. in June of 1941 with construction going on to accomodate increased wartime contracts. The company was completing its last commercial contract and would be focusing entirely on military contracts. Under construction were five additional new ways, more dockage space and expanded fabrication facilities. All were expected to be completed in 1942. After expansion, the shipyard would employ over 8,000 persons. The waterway at the top of the photo is Hylebos Creek and the wooded property beyond is Browns Point.

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

1941 Bird's eye view of Sea-Tac Shipyard, from Northeast Tacoma looking toward city. The Seattle-Tacoma Shipyard's Tacoma yard was established in 1939 and immediately set to work to build cargo ships, freighters and government vessels.

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Aerial views; Aerial photographs;

Personalities from Seattle Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation. Portrait of woman wearing hardhat and sitting at desk with typewriter.

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

Personalities from Seattle Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation. Portrait of U. S. Navy Captain and man dressed in suit at the rail of "Cape Flattery", American Lines. Stack in background.

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

Personalities from Seattle Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation. Portrait of worker in overalls at wheel of ship.

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

Aerial progress photo of construction at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (see D11537 image 22 for previous month) The waterway at the top of the photo is Hylebos Creek and the one below the shipyard is Wapato Waterway. To the right of the shipyard is the Hooker Chemical plant at the top, with the Peterman Manufacturing plant below. The STSC was expanding to meet the demands of new military contracts. Under construction were five additional new ways, more dockage space and expanded fabrication facilities.

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

The August 6, 1941 sea trials of the "Oregon," formerly known as the Cape Cleare. The ship was built by the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. as Hull #3 and M.C. 121- C1B Cargo. It was one of five identical cargo ships built by the company. Photograph ordered by the U.S. Maritime Commission TPL-1870

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

An unidentified officer of the M. S. Oregon poses at his desk. The photograph was taken in Oregon. The ship was built in Tacoma at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. and launched as the Cape Cleare.

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