Todd Pacific Shipyards, Inc., located in Tacoma, Washington, has a rich history intertwined with the evolution of shipbuilding in the United States, particularly during World War II. Founded through a collaboration between Todd and Kaiser, the shipyard has played a significant role in maritime defense and commercial shipbuilding.
Formation and Expansion
In 1939, Todd and Kaiser established the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Company to revive Todd’s earlier shipyard located at Commencement Bay, Tacoma. This initiative was in response to the growing demand for naval vessels as tensions escalated globally. The United States Navy recognized the strategic importance of the facility and invested $15 million to enhance its capabilities.
Originally equipped with three shipways, the shipyard underwent a second wave of expansion, increasing its capacity to eight ways. This significant development allowed the yard to keep pace with wartime demands, and at its peak during World War II, Todd Tacoma employed approximately 28,000 workers, contributing substantially to the war effort.
Transition and Post-War Era
After the war, in 1942, Todd acquired Kaiser’s interests in the shipyard, marking a significant consolidation of ownership. Following the end of hostilities, the Navy sold the shipyard to the Port of Tacoma in 1959, reflecting the shift in the shipyard’s focus from military to commercial shipbuilding. Today, the site is part of the Port of Tacoma’s Commencement Bay Industrial Development District, serving various industrial functions.
Notable Productions
Todd Tacoma produced several notable vessels during its operational years, particularly during World War II. Below is a brief overview of some significant ships built at the facility:
- Cape Alava (Hull #119)
- Type: C1-B
- Disposition: Sold privately in 1948, scrapped in 1970.
- Cape Flattery (Hull #120)
- Type: C1-B
- Disposition: Converted to a troopship in 1943, scrapped in 1971.
- Oregon (Hull #121)
- Type: C1-B
- Disposition: Collided and sunk in 1941.
- Frederick Funston (Hull #167)
- Type: C3-S1-A3
- Disposition: Transferred to the U.S. Navy as APA 89, later scrapped in 1969.
- Bogue (Hull #170)
- Type: C3-S-A1
- Disposition: Transferred to the U.S. Navy as CVE 9, scrapped in 1960.
- Block Island (Hull #237)
- Type: C3-S-A1
- Disposition: Transferred to the U.S. Navy as CVE 21, torpedoed and lost near the Azores in 1944.
Legacy and Conclusion
Todd Pacific Shipyards stands as a testament to the shipbuilding prowess of the United States during a crucial period in history. The yard’s ability to adapt and expand in response to national needs showcases its importance to both military and commercial maritime sectors. Although the original shipyard has transformed over the decades, its legacy remains significant in the annals of American maritime history.