During World War II, any person or group who raised two million dollars by selling war bonds could propose the name for a ship. There were five Liberty Ships named for Indian Chiefs.
The SS Chief Ouray, hull number 513, was the first of the five entered into production. Its keel was laid down for assembly at the Permanente Metals Corporation, Yard #1, in Richmond, California on November 27, 1942. It was built in “way #1″ of the seven ways (assembly slots). The completed ship was christened and launched on December 28, 1942. It was delivered to the Navy on January 12, 1943.
Three days after the Chief Ouray’s keel was laid down, assembly of the Chief Washakie, hull number 613, began at the Oregon Shipbuilding Company in Portland, Oregon. The Washakie was launched December 24, 1942, four days before the Chief Ouray, thus becoming the first Liberty Ship christened in honor of an Indian chief.
The five chiefs honored with namesake Liberty Ships included Charlot of the Flathead, Joseph of the Nez Perce, Ouray of the Ute, Osceoloa of the Seminole, and Washakie of the Shoshone.
Complete List of Liberty Ships
SS Chief Ouray, Part 2
SS Chief Ouray, Part 1
On December 28, 1942, a square-hulled grey cargo ship slipped from its berth and splashed into the Pacific Ocean. The vessel was one of 2,710 Liberty Ships built to support the U.S. military during World War II. This one was christened the SS Chief Ouray.
Liberty Ships were built assembly-line style at eighteen U.S. shipyards. At the peak of production, three ships were launched per day. The first Liberty Ship was lanched September 27, 1941 and the last was completed September 2, 1945. Of the 2,710 Liberty Ships built, only two remain.
The Chief Ouray was assembled in 31 days at the Richmond, California shipyard of Permanente Metals Corporation. This yard turned out a total of 130 such ships. The Chief Ouray went into active service with the U.S. Navy on January 23, 1943, where it was renamed Deimos. Just six months later, on June 23, 1943, an enemy torpedo struck the ship and it was scuttled off San Cristobal in the Solomon Islands.
Greetings at Christmas
While sorting a box of old family photos recently, I found this vintage World War II Christmas card designed for a member of the armed services. My grandparents sent it to my father in 1942 while he was stationed with the Army at Camp Maxey, Texas. Dad kept it among his papers where I found it after he died. It reminded me that times may change, but contact with folks back home is still vital for military men and women stationed far away. This holiday season I am thinking of military families and praying for peace.
