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;

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;

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;

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;

By April of 1943, the in-plant training school at the Tacoma yard of the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. had been in operation about a year. The classes helped fill the gap between the shortage of available skilled laborers and the increased number of jobs in the defense industry. Both motion and still pictures were used in training. Here instructor Pete Neufeld is operating a table projector. The trainees are M.A. Smith, T. James, R.V. Sutherland, W. Ehret, K. Taylor and L. Sherman. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol. 1 No. 7, Pg.4-5, May 8, 1943 issue)

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

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;

E.E. "Ernie" Southwell, veteran shipwright leadman, had a lot of reasons to smile. He had the unusual distinction of being on the construction crews that built the yard in Tacoma in both World War I and II. On the front of his coveralls is his employment badge with his photograph and his employee number, 775. (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; Southwell, Ernie;

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 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;

One of the major problems facing America during the beginning of World War II was the training of skilled mechanics and engineers in large enough numbers to handle the flood of defense work. The Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. developed its own in-plant training program for helpers who showed aptitude for their work. By April of 1943, the program had been in place and growing for one year. 225 instructors supervised over 1,000 trainees in seven crafts. Here welding instructor Ed Moe checks the work of Alfred Warren. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol. 1 No. 7, Pg.4-5, May 8, 1943 issue)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Welding; World War, 1939-1945--War work--Tacoma; Moe, Ed; Warren, Alfred;

Thousands of workers at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. were present late in April of 1943 when the plant was presented with the Treasury T flag. The banner was presented to defense companies when 90 % of their employees contributed 10% of their salaries toward the purchase of war bonds. The highlight of the day shift ceremony was the appearance of the Shipyard band (in crowd, 1/3 of the way from the podium) under the direction of Joe Rausch. (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;

A trio of men proudly display the Treasury T banner, also known as the "Minuteman" flag, after its presentation to the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp., Tacoma yard, in late April of 1943. The men are, left to right, Leon Titus, Pierce County War Bond drive chairman, Karl Richards, Washington state war savings staff director, and George G. Kachlein, Jr., assistant general manager of the plant. The flag will fly over the plant, right below the US flag. The T flag is presented to defense companies where 90% of the employees contribute 10% of their salaries to the purchase of war bonds. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol.1, No.7; May 8, 1943, pg. 2; TNT 4/29/1943, pg. 1))

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

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);

On National Maritime Day, May 22, 1942, the U. S. S. Altamaha was launched by the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. just before midnight. She was the second ship launched that day at the company's Tacoma yard. The U. S. S. Barnes had been launched at 12:01 a.m. National Maritime Day was the 123rd anniversary of the first successful trans-oceanic voyage by a steamship. The Altamaha received one battle star for her participation in the 3rd Fleet supporting operations off Luzon in 1944. She was placed out of commission in 1946 and scrapped in 1961. The Barnes was scrapped in 1960. (T. Times 5/22/1942, pg.1)

Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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 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;

Governor Arthur B. Langlie (center) watches his wife Evelyn christen the ship Cape Fairweather, launch #4 for the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation on April 11, 1941. A bottle of champagne shatters against the boat's bow. The motorship Cape Fairweather was the fourth of the C-1 freighters built at the shipyards. The vessel went into the water nearly ready for trial trips. Seattle-Tacoma Shipyards was busy working on new ways and a new outfitting dock. The yard would be building 300' gasoline tankers for the Navy and keels for C-3 freighters. The Cape Fairweather remained in service until 1980, when it was scrapped. ALBUM 10. (TNT 4-11-41, p. 1)

Governors; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Langlie, Evelyn; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950;

On March 17, 1941, William F. Porter (center), a member of the Boilermakers' union employed at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipyard, bought five tickets from Donna Mae Jaden for a fund raising concert being given in Tacoma. The "On to Spokane" concert was being given to raise money to send Tacoma school musicians to the National Music Educators conference being held in Spokane at the end of the month. Oscar Williams (left) was chairman of the Young Men's Business Club committee sponsoring the concert. Donna Jaden, a member of the Stadium H.S. Girl's Glee Club, became the movie actress Janis Paige. (T. Times 3/19/1941 p.13)

Actresses; Paige, Janis; Jaden, Donna Mae; Porter, William F.; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Williams, Oscar;

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;

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;

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;