The SS United Victory was a cargo ship that played a significant role in the Allied victory in 1943. It was one of the many ships that helped transport vital supplies to the war effort.
The SS United Victory was launched in 1943 and was part of a massive shipbuilding program that produced over 2,400 cargo ships during World War II. These ships were crucial in transporting goods and supplies across the globe.
The Allied victory in 1943 was a major turning point in the war, marking a shift in momentum in favor of the Allies. This was largely due to the success of the invasion of Sicily, which took place in July 1943.
The SS United Victory was just one of many ships that contributed to the Allied victory, but its role was significant nonetheless.
For another approach, see: SS El Faro
The Ship
The SS United Victory was an impressive vessel, measuring 455 feet, 3 inches in length overall.
Its beam was a significant 62 feet, allowing for a substantial cargo capacity.
The ship's depth, or the distance between the keel and main deck, was 38 feet.
It had a load draft of 28 feet, which meant that 28 feet of the hull was underwater when the ship was fully loaded.
The SS United Victory had a gross registered tonnage of 7,612, which is a measure of the volume of all enclosed spaces on the ship.
Its net registered tonnage was 4,555, which specifically measures the volume of the cargo spaces.
The ship's deadweight tonnage, or its cargo carrying capacity by weight, was a substantial 10,750 tons.
The SS United Victory had a displacement tonnage of 15,200, which is the total weight of the ship, equal to the weight of water displaced by its hull.
The ship's propeller diameter was 18 feet, 3 inches, which is a significant size.
The SS United Victory was armed during World War II with one 5-inch, 38-caliber gun aft, and one 3-inch, 50-caliber gun forward, along with 8 20mm AA guns.
Take a look at this: SS El Capitan
The crew of the SS United Victory varied over the years, but during World War II, it had 62 Merchant Mariners and U.S. Navy Armed Guard officers and men on board.
In later years, the crew size was significantly smaller, with approximately 35 people on board during the Korea and Vietnam eras.
Survivors
Only a handful of the World War II successors to the Liberty ships survive today, including the SS American Victory.
These ships, like the SS United Victory, were built for rapid mass production and played a crucial role in the Allied war effort.
The Liberty ships, of which 2,710 were built, were considered "good enough" for the massive task at hand, but were slow and prone to hull cracking and fractures, especially in cold weather.
The Victory ships, on the other hand, were constructed for a lower price, with a construction cost of $2.5 million in 1945 dollars.
That's equivalent to around $40 million in today's dollars, a staggering sum that reflects the complexity and scale of these ships' construction.
Victory
The SS United Victory was a legendary ship that achieved a remarkable milestone. It was the first Liberty ship to be converted into a tanker.
This conversion took place in 1942, and it was a crucial step in the war effort. The ship's cargo capacity was increased to 9,100 barrels.
The SS United Victory played a vital role in transporting fuel to the Allies during World War II.
1943
In 1943, the SS United Victory was laid down.
The keel for this Victory ship was laid on November 18, 1943.
Victory
Victory Ships were massive, with an overall length of 455 feet, 3 inches. They were designed to be long and lean, making them efficient for transporting goods across the ocean.
The ships had a significant beam of 62 feet, which is quite wide. This width allowed for a larger cargo capacity, making them ideal for carrying a variety of goods.
The depth of the ship was 38 feet, measured from the keel to the main deck. This depth was necessary to accommodate the height of the cargo and the crew.
Victory Ships had a load draft of 28 feet, which is the amount of the hull that is underwater when the ship is fully loaded. This is an important measurement for ensuring the ship can navigate safely.
The ships had a gross registered tons of 7,612, which is a measure of the volume of all enclosed spaces on the ship. This includes the cargo holds, engine rooms, and living quarters.
Victory Ships had a net registered tons of 4,555, which is a measure of the volume of all enclosed cargo spaces. This is an important measurement for determining the ship's cargo capacity.
The ships had a deadweight tons of 10,750, which is the cargo carrying capacity of the ship by weight. This is the maximum amount of cargo the ship can carry.
Victory Ships had a displacement tons of 15,200, which is the total weight of the ship equal to the weight of water displaced by the hull. This is an important measurement for determining the ship's stability.
The ships had a cruising range of 23,500 miles, which is the distance they could travel without needing to refuel. This was essential for long-distance trade and commerce.
The Victory Ship's propeller was 18 feet, 3 inches in diameter, which is a significant size for a propeller. This size allowed the ship to move efficiently through the water.
Victory Ships had a variety of armaments during World War II, including a 5-inch, 38-caliber gun aft and a 3-inch, 50-caliber gun forward. They also had 8 20mm AA guns for defense.
The crew size varied depending on the era, but during World War II, it was 62 Merchant Mariners and U.S. Navy Armed Guard officers and men.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the SS United States Victory?
The SS United States Victory was a troop ship that served in the Atlantic Ocean during World War II, transporting US soldiers to Europe. It was one of 97 Victory ships converted for Operation Magic Carpet to bring American troops home.
What was the difference between the Liberty ship and the Victory ship?
Liberty ships were designed for wartime use, while Victory ships were built to be more efficient and versatile for post-war merchant fleets. Victory ships were larger, faster, and better equipped than Liberty ships.
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