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The Park Ranger and Park volunteer, at Rosie The Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park, insist that visiting The SS Red Oak Victory ship, is worth the time. The ship is only open to visitors on Sundays, and we are fortunate to be in Richmond, California, on a Sunday. Recognizing how lucky we are, we hop in our car, and drive the few blocks to the ship’s parking lot.
After climbing the gangway, we are greeted by a young teen.
He welcomes us to the ship and asks if we would like to take a self-guided tour, a guided tour, or the guided tour that includes the engine room? We go big or go home and pick the guided tour that includes the engine room. The young man takes our money. His dad, compliments the excellent job he is doing. Chatting with the duo, we learn they are a father and son, volunteering together, at this historic site. I’m greatly encouraged by their dedication.
Joining us on the tour, is a current cargo ship worker. Her ship is docked nearby for the day, so as she had some free time, she wanted to take a tour of this important World War II ship.
The SS Red Oak Victory, was a supply ship during WWII. It was built in Richmond, California’s, Kaiser Shipyards. Kaiser built more ships during World War II than any other shipyard in the United States. Kaiser Shipyards is also known for employing many Rosie the Riveters.
Our docent, Joe, leads us down a ladder. The reason we choose the guided tour, is to see the ship’s engine room. This part of the tour involves climbing up and down ladders. If you are fearful of heights, tight spaces, or have physical limitations, the self-guided tour, may be a better fit.
Joe describes what working in an engine room is like.
The engines are enormous.
It’s impressive, witnessing the complexity of the system that keeps a ship moving and provides the energy for those aboard.
Our tour-mate, is able to supply information comparing 1940s ship engineering and navigation, to current ship practices.
Next, Joe shows us the ship’s theater. Present day, you can watch a movie in the ship’s theater, once a month.
The dining hall is set up, complete with dance floor. There are exhibits all around, sharing stories about those who worked on the ship.
Today, the ship hosts monthly, pancake breakfasts.
Near the dining hall, is a small gift shop.
Ship entertainment area observed, Joe sets us loose, to explore the SS Red Oak Victory’s living quarters. We take our time wandering through cabins,
cooking galleys,
and navigation rooms.
Joe is around if we have specific questions.
The SS Red Oak Victory ship is worth the visit. If you are physically able, I recommend taking the full tour that includes the engine room. Do note, that due to safety concerns, kids under the age of twelve, are not permitted to take the engine room tour.
The Rangers and Volunteers at Rosie the Riveter WW II Homefront National Historical Park, did not steer us wrong, when recommending we add a ship tour to the day’s itinerary. After spending time at the Rosie the Riveter Visitors Center it is brilliant seeing an actual ship, the Rosies built. It’s a site that offers a deeper understanding of World War II history.
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