The S.S. Red Oak Victory exemplified the enormous scale of work completed by ordinary men and women to support the war effort. Built in eighty-seven days, it was one of ten Victory ships commissioned by the United States Navy as ammunition and cargo carriers during World War II. It was named for Red Oak, Iowa, the town that lost more of its men per capita than any other community in the United States. On March 6, 1943, more than 100 telegrams arrived in Red Oak informing families throughout the community of soldiers missing in action. Its specifications included a cruising speed of 16 knots, fuel oil capacity of 802,767 gallons, deadweight of 10,759 long tons, lightweight of 4,451 long tons, displacement of 15,210 long tons, a molded breadth of 62 feet, and an overall length of 455 feet 3 inches.

Photo: Unknown

Photo: Barry Swackhamer

Photo: Barry Swackhamer

Photo: Barry Swackhamer

Photo: Barry Swackhamer

Photo: Diane Phillips

Photo: Barry Swackhamer

Richmond, California · USA