Liberty Ships played an important roll during World War II and are considered by many to be one reason for the ultimate triumph over Germany and Japan. At the outset of the war German U-Boats took a heavy toll on world shipping making supply of the war effort in Europe all but impossible. The vision, strength and commitment of American industry produced a solution in the form of a quickly built cargo vessel, the Liberty Ship, which could be produced in sufficient numbers to overcome the losses to German submarines.

Alabama Dry Dock and Ship Building in Mobile, Alabama produced approximately 20 Liberty ships during World War II. While most of these historic vessels have been scrapped or sunk as artificial reefs, there are a couple of Liberty Ships, the "Wallace" and the "Allen" that have become part of the Alabama Artificial Reef System.

J. A. Jones Construction Company, in Panama City, Florida also produced Liberty Ships. They produced approximately 102 vessels.

I recall taking the train from Mobile to Montgomery in the early 60's when a number of Liberty Ships was part of the "Mothball Fleet" in the river delta. This vessels were kept in storage in anticipation of future needs.

•  Liberty Ships and Victory Ships, America's Lifeline in War
• US Department of Transportation Maritime Administration
• USMM.org

The first of 2751 Liberty Ships, the Patrick Henry was launched September 27, 1941. All liberty ships were built to a standardized design and could be completed in approximately 70 days. The fastest construction on record was 4 1/2 days.

Liberty Ships were the first vessels to use prefab construction techniques.

Liberty Ship Specifications:

•  Length: 441 Feet
• Width: 56 Feet
• Engine: 3 cylinder reciprocating steam producing 2500 horsepower
• Speed 11 Knots
• Cargo Capacity: 9000 tons in 5 holds (additional cargo could be carried on deck)
• Crew: Around 44 men and 12 to 25 naval guardsmen

Armament: Some Liberty Ships were armed but many were not. Armament might include:

• A 3 inch bow gun
• 4 to 5 inch stern gun
• Two 37mm bow guns
• 6 20mm machine guns