The shipyard also brought together diverse trades — welders, riveters, carpenters, pipe-fitters, electricians — all contributing to the assembly of steel hulls. Training programs were established, and local colleges and vocational schools helped produce skilled help. The intensity of production created a strong sense of purpose and identity for the workforce: building not just ships, but tools to support the Allied war effort.
Launching, Outfitting and River Operations
From the six building ways, hulls were launched into the St. Johns River where they were outfitted with superstructure, machinery, and finishing touches. Launch events often drew crowds from the city, with workers lining the riverbank and whistles sounding across the water. After outfitting, ships were delivered to the Maritime Commission and commissioned into merchant fleets or the Navy as cargo, tanker, or auxiliary vessels.
The river itself became a staging canal: newly launched hulls floated down toward the Atlantic, passing under bridges and through Jacksonville’s harbor. The coordination of launching, towing, and outfitting required close interaction with the port and city infrastructure. shutdown123