(Courtesy U.S. Maritime Administration)
(Photo release,
from the U.S. Maritime Commission, May 13, 1945.)
Libertys carried a crew of about 44 and 12 to 25 Naval Armed Guard. Some were armed with:
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One 3 inch bow gun |
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One 4or 5 inch stern gun |
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Two 37 mm bow guns |
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Six 20 mm machine guns |
Liberty Ships built by the United States Maritime Commission in World War II a Liberty ship was the name given to the EC2 type ship designed for "Emergency" construction by the United States Maritime Commission in World War II. Liberty ships, nicknamed "ugly ducklings" by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt
The first of the 2,751 Liberty ships was the SS Patrick Henry, launched on Sept. 27, 1941, and built to a standardized, mass produced design. The 250,000 parts were pre-fabricated throughout the country in 250-ton sections and welded together in about 70 days. One Liberty ship, the SS Robert E. Peary was built in four and a half days.
A Liberty cost under $2,000,000.
The Liberty was 441 feet long and 56 feet wide. Her three-cylinder, reciprocating steam engine, fed by two oil-burning boilers produced 2,500 hp and a speed of 11 knots. Her 5 holds could carry over 9,000 tons of cargo, plus airplanes, tanks, and locomotives lashed to its deck. A Liberty could carry 2,840 jeeps, 440 tanks, or 230 million rounds of rifle ammunition.
Liberty ships were named after prominent (deceased) Americans, starting with Patrick Henry and the signers of the Declaration of Independence. 18 that were named for outstanding African-Americans.
Any group which raised $2 million dollars in War Bonds could suggest a name for a Liberty ship.
| Cargo Liner Liberty Ship. |
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| (Text Courtesy of USMM.ORG) |
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| Material of the hull: ............ |
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| Name of the ship: .......... G. Franchère |
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| Type of ship: .................. cargo liner liberty-ship |
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| Type of the engine: .............. 1 propeller |
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| Year of construction of the ship: .1943 |
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| Name of the building site of construction: . |
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| Place of construction: ............ Portland cement |
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| Year of entry in fleet: ........ 1943 |
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| Length (in meters): ............ 126,80 |
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| Width (in meters): ............. 17,34 |
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| Gross tonnage (out of barrels): ....... 7176 |
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| Port into heavy (in tons): ....... 10840 |
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| with rammer, triples expansion 3 cylinders |
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| Engine output (in horses): 2500 |
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| Speed in service (in nodes): . .11 |
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