Whirley cranes were an essential part of Richmond Shipyard's manufacturing capabilities during World War II. Named for the turret's ability to rotate 360 degrees, the cranes handled massive amounts of steel by lifting and moving large prefabricated components into place during the assembly of ships. Two to four whirley cranes could work in unison to hoist even larger loads. Moving on rails placed thirty-two feet apart that ran parallel to shipways and basins, whirley cranes helped speed the production of ships. Today, this 114-ton crane serves as a reminder of the industrial might required for home front war production.

Photo: Diane Phillips

Photo: Barry Swackhamer

Photo: Barry Swackhamer

Richmond, California · USA