Union members assist
vets restoring PT boat
Volunteers from Iron Workers Local
29 rebuilt a hoist used by a group of
volunteers restoring PT-658, the only
surviving operational PT boat in the
world.
Local 29 member Thad “Sonny”
Curtis came up with the design for the
hoist, and ironworker Angela Couture
did all the fab work and painting.
On Aug. 30, a crew of ironworkers
set up the hoist at the Naval Reserve/
Coast Guard base at 6735 N. Basin
SEPTEMBER 21, 2012
Ave., at Portland’s Swan Island, where
PT-658 is berthed. Helping place the
hoist were Apprenticeship Coordinator
Keith Kordenat, Jacob Morton, David
“Tex” Davilla, Jason Fussell, O’Neil
“Bud” Rawl, Robert Camarillo and
Curtis. (See photo above right.)
The boat has been exactingly re-
stored by former PT boat veterans and
volunteers for the nonprofit Save the
PT Boat, Inc. for the past 18 years. Ear-
lier this month it was listed in the Na-
tional Register of Historic Places.
The authenticity and accuracy of its
restoration are exemplary, according to
its National Register nomination. Only
two other PT boats are listed in the Na-
tional Register, but neither is operating.
PT-658 makes regular runs on the
Willamette River under power from its
orginal Packard V-12 engines.
Boats like the PT-658 were devel-
oped in the early 20th century by the
European navy as part of their coastal
defenses. These small, wooden boats
were an inexpensive way to quickly de-
liver torpedoes which could destroy
NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS
ships as heavy as battleships.
The United States began manufac-
turing PT boats in 1941 shortly before
entering World War II. The PT boats
carried more armament for their size
than any other naval vessel, but were
considered expendable.
PT-658 was built near the end of the
war in New Orleans and never saw any
action. Save the PT Boat Inc. acquired
it and moved it to Portland in 1994.
Several years ago the group built a
boathouse (photo top left) so that it
would be easier to work during in-
clement weather. EC Electric and sev-
eral members of IBEW Local 48 do-
nated time and material for wiring. Cur-
rently, marine electricians are working
to restore the radios to full functionality.
Save The PT Boat, Inc. has accom-
plished quite a lot, but isn’t finished.
They want to build a viewing platform
at the boathouse, and they’re currently
raising funds for a museum.
Contributions of cash or equipment
are tax deductible. The foundation’s
IRS tax number is 93-1162295.
For more information or to donate,
go online at www.savetheptboatinc.
com.
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