My father (RIP) served on PT 147 (the Who Me? ) in the South Pacific in WWII. Combat veteran and rank of Torpedeoman 1st class, wounded in action and he absolutely loved his PT boats. "80 feet of fighting fury" and "Knights of The Sea". There is a famous picture of a PT boat with a hole through the bow above the waterline, that was my dads boat where a Japanese torpedo "skipped" on the water and went through the bow without exploding. REST IN PEACE DAD AND YOUR PT'S.
Thanks for sharing your father's experience and sacrifice for our country. My dad was transferred between islands in the pacific on PT Boats several times. Sometimes it was great, other times it beat him badly. Such is the way of war. Thank you for sharing your Father's sacrifice for our country.
I am having a problem believing that the P T boat was 70 feet long much less 80 feet. My metal building is 80 feet and these boats look much smaller in length than my building.
@@JohnDavis-yz9nq PT305 was a New Orleans built Higgins. Here is the truth. www.google.com/search?q=length+of+WWII+US+PT+boats&rlz=1CDGOYI_enUS1024US1024&oq=length+of+WWII+US+PT+boats&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i546l4.55825j0j4&hl=en-US&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8
@@jerryhooper7727 okay calf rope. I knew that the Higgins company designed and built them but with every picture and video they just don’t look 80 long to me but I must be wrong. I read the article on them. It’s amazing that they were fast being that long.
Beautiful boats....wish more had survived WW2....yes "They were expendable"...tough men. As a Navy vet...next to Iron Men and Wooden ships...the PT guys were exceptional sailors....but nothing like seeing a squadron power out almost making rooster tails!
Thank you for this. I was one of the 305 volunteer restorers, and one of the crew - though not the weekend you rode. While I am sad that she will never run on the water again (thank you, Covid…), I am blessed that I had the opportunity to have the ‘Ride of a Lifetime’ - again and again. It brought a me smile to see the XO and my friend, Bob, - who passed last year - once more at the helm. Again, thanks.
What can I say ? This was outstanding ! Loved it! I'm a Marine Inf., Nam (1969-70)Vet. Served 9 years USMC, 1 yr,USAF (Res), and 14 yrs Mech Inf.,ARNG (SSG, Ret.) Was never on ship but one 3 day cruise on a Helo Air Crft Carrier for "Vertical Assault" into Camp Pendleton. But this looks like so much fun ! Grrrr8 video ! THANK YOU !
Thank you for watching. The water was a bit rough but it rode well at 38-40 knots. The Captain said it would do over 47. That’s over 50mph in a 70 foot boat. Fun!
Thank you for filming and sharing this experience! The PT boats played a major role in the 2nd Big War. One thing though, I have lived here in Louisiana and near the Pontchartrain for most of my 70+ years and even though those Higgins PT boats could easily handle heavy seas I don't buy that those waves shown here are even close to 4' swells. The Pontchartrain is shallow and capable of some heavy seas and the PT can take em, but this looks more like 1' to 2' footers. But thanks again for the pure pleasure of seeing "the ol gal" pushing through the water!
Thanks for your input. I grew up In Klamath Falls, OR. My parents had several boats during my years there and we boated almost weekly on Klamath Lake (my dad was a member of the local Yacht Club). At that time, Klamath Lake had an average depth of 8 feet. It is approximately 25 miles long and 8 miles wide at the northern end. One time, while we were traveling up the lake to a resort in our 18’ inboard/outboard the weather got bad and the waves got bigger than I’d ever seen them. Finally when a wave washed over our entire boat (we had a full canvas cover over the open areas of the boat or we would probably have been swamped). Anyway, dad turned around and we called it a day. My point is, a 12’ deep lake was able to create 4-5’ waves with the right conditions. I’m not disagreeing with you about Lake Pontchartrain. You may be correct. But I did do a little research and I found several 1-2’ waves at 5-10 mph winds on the lake. The day I took my ride the winds were 21-24 mph during the time of my ride. The wave had white caps so I feel comfortable with the lower end of my 3-4 ft estimate. Thanks for watching my video.
@@jerryhooper7727 you were there and sometimes the video doesn't give a really accurate perception of things like this. The PT isn't that small a boat so like I said appearances may be deceiving. I'm certainly not saying you are wrong and I have been in some 8 to 10 footers on Pontchartrain myself and in a much smaller craft. Thanks for replying and sharing your experience on Klamath Lake. Louisiana has a lot of shallow lakes and we in fact lost several this past week in Lake Maurepas, a shallow but deadly lake in bad weather.
I was born & raised in MA. I've always liked all three types of USN PT Boats. I've visited Battleship Cove in Fall River, MA many times, and my favorite exhibit are the two PT's (Elco & Higgins) they have. I wish they were operational like the 305 is.
The Knox class of destroyers were commissioned during the 1960’s. The PT305 would probably have been a tourist boat or fishing boat in the northeast USA at that time. It was originally built by Higgins in New Orleans in the 40’s and saw action in the Mediterranean during the war so I doubt the Knox and PT305 were ever in the same waters at the same time.
You forgot or haven't heard of PT-658 in Portland, Oregon. She too, is a restored Higgins PT boat and fully operational like the 305. Too bad they couldn't bring the 658 down to New Orleans and BOTH boats could cruise in formation. THAT would be impressive!
i know my dad would have loved this because his second choice when he signed up in 1944 was Planes First and PT boats second No Subs or ships Well he got Planes but my Brotherinlaw is planning to come out to see this Sinse his Father was stationed on a PT tender and belonged to the PT sociaty i cant imagine how those Vets from that era Felt sitting on that boat after so many years likebeing 20 again
Most unfortunate this history will die with us who grew up appreciating what occured in WW2, the equipment, all of it. I asked the younger guys at work - not dummies either, fellow engineers - if they knew what a PT boat was and you'd have thought I had 3 eyes. Not one of them knew what a PT boat was. Hell, most have no idea who John Wayne was either. I am shocked....and saddened by this. Proof our kids are going to repeat history again unfortunately.
It is sad and I agree with the reason why history repeats itself. However as conflicts reoccur, the weapons become more lethal which makes understanding the mistakes of society in the past much more important. I don't know where you live but if you and your family can ever spend a day at the WWII Museum in New Orleans, they might get an education they don't get in school.
The WWII Museum in New Orleans hosts an annual event at the Lakefront Airport. You can fly in a B17, B29, B26, P51 and more during the event. Of course these planes are on display during the event.
@@jerryhooper7727 I live on Long Island, which features 3 interesting museums; Cradle of Aviation (highlighting, static, built on Long Island and beyond in air and space (Lunar Lander and many, many ww2 planes were built here), American Airpower Museum - at Republic Airport, concentrating on operational WW 2 planes, landing point for the annual Jones Beach Air Show, visited by B17's, Connies, B29 FIFI, eventually B29 DOC and more, and the American Armor museum. Sooner or later amazing planes come to Long Island - not that obvious a spot for it except for its history. So we try to see what we can of them. Part of what makes it worthwhile living here.
@@rontroy3843 I am actually jealous. I love air shows. I was visiting one of my sons in VA and we went to Andrew’s AFB and watched a joint services air show. While there Barack Obama left in Air Force One and I caught it on camera (it’s on my posts somewhere). It was a great experience. Thanks for the great response!
@@jerryhooper7727 Decades ago as a cadet, I observed, at Ft. Bragg, some demonstrations. The Special Forces as shown a bit of in The Green Berets (John Wayne movie - but the whole demo), the Million Dollar Minute (lots and lots going boom in front of you), and air drops including a Sheridan 'light tank' out of the back of a C130 , and as a recall the crew got to it, got it off the pallet and drove it away. But also, getting to talk to Blue Angel pilots at Republic was nice, getting close up and personal views of a Connie as they repaired an engine problem and got it spun up and flying, B29 FIFI (DOC visit blocked by COVID). I have a photo of a half dozen WW2 planes above the field in formations - half flying towards the other half I got one Memorial Day weekend. Long Island can be a real PITA to live on, but we do have some cool things.
@@rontroy3843 If you served in our service, thank you for that! I was eligible for Vietnam after 1968 but I was not satisfied with the politics of the war and the service lottery resulted in a number (256) where I wouldn’t be called and I sure didn’t volunteer. I support a war we are fighting to win but it’s a big mess today. I appreciate my father’s service in WWII that gave me the freedoms I enjoy.
In Port Clinton on Lake Erie in Ohio there is one in a live museum, "The Liberty Museum" originally a vehicle and aircraft only.. Last I saw her three years ago they had stripped most of the wood off the sides of the hull. There is a second one on a trailer that looks like it's still the original length but has a civilian pleasure craft cabin.
It is very expensive to operate these boats. In WWII cost was not as important as winning the war at any cost. Now it is hard to keep one running without huge financial support.
Car engine sound just doesn't do it for me. But when them 1200hp Packards start breathing - ah! Likewise, big radial engines from warbirds, and 12 cylinder radiated engines (Merlin, etc.) are just awesome-sounding!
Actually it was 1500 hp per engine and I’ll never hear it again except in an aircraft. After all those years of donated restoration and reconditioning the boat has been shelved and may end up on exhibit at the WWII Museum. I am very disappointed. It was a financial decision which I understand, however, I am grateful to have been one of the few who got a brief experience of what my father experienced in WWII in the Pacific Champaign.
@@jerryhooper7727 Right on, Patriot! My dad was in Nagasaki 1 month after the bomb went off! But back to PT engines - 1500 hp x 3 (!) And after they changed to the roll-off torpedo mechanism I saw where this saved about a ton of weight per side (though extra added armament prob re-accounted for a ton per side...?) so these boats could really scoot! I'm curious if there were any PT vs E-Boat engagements in the Med. Sea - most likely accidental if at all?
My Great Uncle on my Mom's side severed on a PT in the Pacific during the war and said he and the engineering crew would get ear and nose bleeds due to the power of the engines at full speed.
Thank you! I will always remember it as my father was moved between pacific island at time on these boats. Thanks to the WWII museum in New Orleans for this opportunity.
Would anyone know if pt 305s accident envolved hitting the uss knox???? My grampa was on the knox and told me abt an accident happnd where they wer hit by a freindly he hung off the side of the knox welding it back together for 3 days and they left port for open seas....and they left from neworleans.
This is a Higgins boat. Higgins was selected to build the majority of the D-Day landing craft. They also built many PT boats because of their skill in using wood. In fact, what is now the National WWII Museum started out as the D-Day Museum which honored the local construction of the Higgins landing craft. It actually went “viral” in today’s lingo. In my humble opinion it is the best museum of its kind in the world and it is the number one visitor’s choice on TripAdvisor for New Orleans.
PT109 was built by Elco in Bayonne, New Jersey. PT305 was built by Higgins in New Orleans, Louisiana. They were similar in design to meet military design parameters but the Higgins was 78’ long and the Elco was 80’.
She has one prop for each engine and three separate gearboxes so they can do one forward, one neutral and the other reverse to help with steering while backing.
Did you get to go under the Causeway? It isn't right that the museum has taken PT 305 out of service. I will bet that whenever they decide to find the space at the main campus (and that's the main issue, not money) they won't even allow anyone to get pictures from inside the boat. It makes me wonder if going back to New Orleans is even worth the effort.
We turned around just we got to the causeway. It’s a same it’s out of service. It’s always about the money but it could be about the crew. When it was active, they only went out a couple times per week doing 2-3 rides per day, otherwise you could buy just a tour of the boat. They needed a CO and XO, one or two below decks and one or two to watch the passengers. There had to be people at the dock and then came Covid. Maybe a billionaire will buy it and make it a hoot of a weekend ride!😉
I wish everyone who understood the sacrifices of WWII could have enjoyed what I did. My Dad, who was already in the National Guard since November 16, 1940, was married on November 18, 1941 and was the first to go after December 7, 1941. He fought in the Pacific without returning to the US after his separation on August 19, 1945. I'm lucky to be alive and thankful that PT Boats like this shuttled my dad between islands during the war.
Easily one of the most beautiful and job perfect boats ever built to go to war. I'm going up to New Orleans this fall to neet my Granddaughter Trevelynn I've never met and my first Greatgrandchild Gideon I've also never met and you can bet I'll be checking this old war horse out. Going to be one awesome vacation for me and my Bebita Colombian Wife Maria.
Jerry great video! Do you know the status of the PT305 today in March 2021? It is rumored that they have been shut down by the Museum and shrink wrapped until further notice? Is there any truth to that?
The PT305 exhibit is closed do to covid restrictions. it probably won’t open until you can crowd a bunch of people on the boat. It’s not cheap to ride on and of course it is not cheap to operate so i’m sure they will wait until they can cover their costs. I will give them a call to see if they have plan now.
After talking with museum officials, there are no definite plans for PT305. She has been mothballed. I think of all the years they spent in restoring her and I'm grateful I got to ride during the limited time she rode the waves of Lake Pontchartrain.
@@jerryhooper7727 Thanks Jerry for looking into it. This is a sad time for PT Boat fans. The 305 was a really fantastic operation, I am saddened to see what they decided to do by leaving her in Limbo until further notice.
My Dad was on the PTs. He left Lake Pon.. in 1943.. with MTBRON 16 12 boats went from New Orleans to panama then loaded on a ship and taken to Bremerton. From there to Attu Alaaka then to the South Pacific for the battles in the Philipeans.
@@allaboutboats they cant aford it anymore brando is giving the farm and the whole damn country away. Where are the hero to get rid of this evil in our land. We need to sound the cry.
If she was, she isn’t at this time. The coronavirus caused the exhibit to close and she’s in a storage building until the WWII Museum can find an appropriate place to display a 70’ boat.
They were flying it since they were donated to the museum by the original crewman who obtained the pennant at the end of the war. The 305 boat has not been in Commission since 1945. However that is not a reason to prevent flying the pennant! Tell me, if you had the pennant would'nt you also fly it? It is a historic treasure. Even if you had to bend the rules a little, who is going to say you shouldnt fly it? The Navy regs do not apply anymore, so the operators can do what they want to with the pennant, as far as I see things.
@@allaboutboats Hi Jerry, I looked on line and could not find anything indicating it was wrong or it was correct. I have just never seen one oher than on a commissioned vessel. Learn something new everyday
Fortunately Australia is more liberal in its thinking, so modern regulations wouldn’t be enforced on such historical craft. I’m the owner of a 1944 Ford GPW (Jeep) and I restored it to its original specifications, no indicators, seat belts or extra brake lights.
That would be true here. Autos only need to adhere to what was required at the time of their construction. I think because this was a tour boat, it had to update to modern navigation and safety regulations.
Passengers are not allowed out of their seats or below to get out of the cold wind and sea spray. It doesn't look like much fun. How much are they paying for this ride?
The boats were not designed to be cruise ships, so you may encounter bad weather and waves. Because of Covid, the Boat was returned to static display at the WWII Museum. The cost was $305/person. It was worth it even on a cool and windy day. How many people left alive can say they got to experience something similar to what their father experienced during WWII? I’m sorry they had to shut the rides down. I’d go again, if I could. Over 36 mpg (43 was top but it was choppy) in a 77’ wooden boat on Lake Pontchartrain with three 1500 hp Packards singing in your ears is something worth remembering.
I gave it a thumbs down because not because of the project but because of the video video quality the projects a good project but wish you would’ve seen it in a different way
Thanks for your input. I’m sorry it’s not what you expected. If you notice, these are titled as Hooper’s Home Movies. These are just that, home movies made over the years on dads 8mm and super 8, on my digital tape camera and on various cell phones over the years. My goal is not to monetize but to record some family history events so that members of my family can access them anytime they have the desire. I’ve opened them to the public because some people might be interested in the Angola rodeo where the no longer allow cameras or in the 1960’s when my dad invited the US Thunderbirds to a boat trip up Klamath Lake to a BBQ at Rocky Point Resort, Oregon. This info is boring to most people but I hope they will become of some importance to my prosperity even after I’m dead.
My father (RIP) served on PT 147 (the Who Me? ) in the South Pacific in WWII. Combat veteran and rank of Torpedeoman 1st class, wounded in action and he absolutely loved his PT boats. "80 feet of fighting fury" and "Knights of The Sea". There is a famous picture of a PT boat with a hole through the bow above the waterline, that was my dads boat where a Japanese torpedo "skipped" on the water and went through the bow without exploding. REST IN PEACE DAD AND YOUR PT'S.
Thanks for sharing your father's experience and sacrifice for our country. My dad was transferred between islands in the pacific on PT Boats several times. Sometimes it was great, other times it beat him badly. Such is the way of war. Thank you for sharing your Father's sacrifice for our country.
I am having a problem believing that the P T boat was 70 feet long much less 80 feet. My metal building is 80 feet and these boats look much smaller in length than my building.
@@JohnDavis-yz9nq PT305 was a New Orleans built Higgins. Here is the truth.
www.google.com/search?q=length+of+WWII+US+PT+boats&rlz=1CDGOYI_enUS1024US1024&oq=length+of+WWII+US+PT+boats&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i546l4.55825j0j4&hl=en-US&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8
@@jerryhooper7727 okay calf rope. I knew that the Higgins company designed and built them but with every picture and video they just don’t look 80 long to me but I must be wrong. I read the article on them. It’s amazing that they were fast being that long.
@@jerryhooper7727 by the way thanks for the info.
Wow a really great ride , with an air show to boot, Way Awesome !!
Thank you. It was a truly great day. Cool name dude.😀
What a magnificent creature. Thankful for Packard.
V12s are mechanical sex!
We used to watch them pull out at sunset and back on at dawn in Danang in 65, damn impressive machines.
It was a once in a lifetime experience. The hatches by the engine bay we’re open in front of me and I loved it!
This was the best ride video I have seen on a PT boat! Thanks for such a great post!
I saw them ones from the Lake front in Lakeview, don't know how many trip they did but the sound from shore was amazing.
Thanks for sharing! Sure does look like fun!
I’ll always cherish it. Especially now that it is a static display.
@@jerryhooper7727 That's sad! I'm sure it's very expensive to keep in operation though.
Beautiful boats....wish more had survived WW2....yes "They were expendable"...tough men. As a Navy vet...next to Iron Men and Wooden ships...the PT guys were exceptional sailors....but nothing like seeing a squadron power out almost making rooster tails!
Thank you for your comment. It’s all true!
Thank you for this. I was one of the 305 volunteer restorers, and one of the crew - though not the weekend you rode. While I am sad that she will never run on the water again (thank you, Covid…), I am blessed that I had the opportunity to have the ‘Ride of a Lifetime’ - again and again.
It brought a me smile to see the XO and my friend, Bob, - who passed last year - once more at the helm.
Again, thanks.
Thank you! You and others like you made my experience happen. Something I’ll always remember.
An amazing accomplishment! Well done.
Thanks for watching.
What can I say ? This was outstanding ! Loved it! I'm a Marine Inf., Nam (1969-70)Vet. Served 9 years USMC, 1 yr,USAF (Res), and 14 yrs Mech Inf.,ARNG (SSG, Ret.) Was never on ship but one 3 day cruise on a Helo Air Crft Carrier for "Vertical Assault" into Camp Pendleton. But this looks like so much fun ! Grrrr8 video ! THANK YOU !
Thank you for watching. The water was a bit rough but it rode well at 38-40 knots. The Captain said it would do over 47. That’s over 50mph in a 70 foot boat. Fun!
Thank you for filming and sharing this experience! The PT boats played a major role in the 2nd Big War. One thing though, I have lived here in Louisiana and near the Pontchartrain for most of my 70+ years and even though those Higgins PT boats could easily handle heavy seas I don't buy that those waves shown here are even close to 4' swells. The Pontchartrain is shallow and capable of some heavy seas and the PT can take em, but this looks more like 1' to 2' footers. But thanks again for the pure pleasure of seeing "the ol gal" pushing through the water!
Thanks for your input. I grew up In Klamath Falls, OR. My parents had several boats during my years there and we boated almost weekly on Klamath Lake (my dad was a member of the local Yacht Club). At that time, Klamath Lake had an average depth of 8 feet. It is approximately 25 miles long and 8 miles wide at the northern end. One time, while we were traveling up the lake to a resort in our 18’ inboard/outboard the weather got bad and the waves got bigger than I’d ever seen them. Finally when a wave washed over our entire boat (we had a full canvas cover over the open areas of the boat or we would probably have been swamped). Anyway, dad turned around and we called it a day. My point is, a 12’ deep lake was able to create 4-5’ waves with the right conditions. I’m not disagreeing with you about Lake Pontchartrain. You may be correct. But I did do a little research and I found several 1-2’ waves at 5-10 mph winds on the lake. The day I took my ride the winds were 21-24 mph during the time of my ride. The wave had white caps so I feel comfortable with the lower end of my 3-4 ft estimate. Thanks for watching my video.
Correction. I said Klamath Lake was 8’ deep and then I said it was 12’ deep. It’s actually 12-14’ deep.
@@jerryhooper7727 you were there and sometimes the video doesn't give a really accurate perception of things like this. The PT isn't that small a boat so like I said appearances may be deceiving. I'm certainly not saying you are wrong and I have been in some 8 to 10 footers on Pontchartrain myself and in a much smaller craft. Thanks for replying and sharing your experience on Klamath Lake. Louisiana has a lot of shallow lakes and we in fact lost several this past week in Lake Maurepas, a shallow but deadly lake in bad weather.
Awesome, good to see one of these still doing it!
Awesome 👍👍👍 thanks for sharing this 😊😊😊
Beautiful boat. appreciate the uniforms too.
Thank you. My dad didn’t enjoy riding them between island in the Pacific but I didn’t find rough on my ride on a choppy water day.
That was Awesome, especially with the plane's coming in !
I was born & raised in MA. I've always liked all three types of USN PT Boats. I've visited Battleship Cove in Fall River, MA many times, and my favorite exhibit are the two PT's (Elco & Higgins) they have. I wish they were operational like the 305 is.
seeing the zero's was out there! probably would have gotten goose bumps...
It was a great day of WWII History in the air and on water.
If I ever win the Powerball, I want my own PT Boat!
Saw this boat being worked on in the museum. Awesome!
Covid shut it down and it’s now on display where the restored her.
The Knox class of destroyers were commissioned during the 1960’s. The PT305 would probably have been a tourist boat or fishing boat in the northeast USA at that time. It was originally built by Higgins in New Orleans in the 40’s and saw action in the Mediterranean during the war so I doubt the Knox and PT305 were ever in the same waters at the same time.
You forgot or haven't heard of PT-658 in Portland, Oregon. She too, is a restored Higgins PT boat and fully operational like the 305. Too bad they couldn't bring the 658 down to New Orleans and BOTH boats could cruise in formation. THAT would be impressive!
I wasn't aware of PT-658 and I grew up in Oregon. I've been to the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville several times. What a great place.
And yes, I heard of and saw of it as well on video ! REALLY COOL ! Thank you !
i know my dad would have loved this because his second choice when he signed up in 1944 was Planes First and PT boats second No Subs or ships Well he got Planes but my Brotherinlaw is planning to come out to see this Sinse his Father was stationed on a PT tender and belonged to the PT sociaty i cant imagine how those Vets from that era Felt sitting on that boat after so many years likebeing 20 again
Most unfortunate this history will die with us who grew up appreciating what occured in WW2, the equipment, all of it. I asked the younger guys at work - not dummies either, fellow engineers - if they knew what a PT boat was and you'd have thought I had 3 eyes. Not one of them knew what a PT boat was. Hell, most have no idea who John Wayne was either. I am shocked....and saddened by this. Proof our kids are going to repeat history again unfortunately.
It is sad and I agree with the reason why history repeats itself. However as conflicts reoccur, the weapons become more lethal which makes understanding the mistakes of society in the past much more important. I don't know where you live but if you and your family can ever spend a day at the WWII Museum in New Orleans, they might get an education they don't get in school.
Nothing like the sound of a great Packard engine! A bit louder than the one in my car! And yes, cool that you have WW2 planes overhead!
The WWII Museum in New Orleans hosts an annual event at the Lakefront Airport. You can fly in a B17, B29, B26, P51 and more during the event. Of course these planes are on display during the event.
@@jerryhooper7727 I live on Long Island, which features 3 interesting museums; Cradle of Aviation (highlighting, static, built on Long Island and beyond in air and space (Lunar Lander and many, many ww2 planes were built here), American Airpower Museum - at Republic Airport, concentrating on operational WW 2 planes, landing point for the annual Jones Beach Air Show, visited by B17's, Connies, B29 FIFI, eventually B29 DOC and more, and the American Armor museum. Sooner or later amazing planes come to Long Island - not that obvious a spot for it except for its history. So we try to see what we can of them. Part of what makes it worthwhile living here.
@@rontroy3843 I am actually jealous. I love air shows. I was visiting one of my sons in VA and we went to Andrew’s AFB and watched a joint services air show. While there Barack Obama left in Air Force One and I caught it on camera (it’s on my posts somewhere). It was a great experience. Thanks for the great response!
@@jerryhooper7727 Decades ago as a cadet, I observed, at Ft. Bragg, some demonstrations. The Special Forces as shown a bit of in The Green Berets (John Wayne movie - but the whole demo), the Million Dollar Minute (lots and lots going boom in front of you), and air drops including a Sheridan 'light tank' out of the back of a C130 , and as a recall the crew got to it, got it off the pallet and drove it away. But also, getting to talk to Blue Angel pilots at Republic was nice, getting close up and personal views of a Connie as they repaired an engine problem and got it spun up and flying, B29 FIFI (DOC visit blocked by COVID). I have a photo of a half dozen WW2 planes above the field in formations - half flying towards the other half I got one Memorial Day weekend. Long Island can be a real PITA to live on, but we do have some cool things.
@@rontroy3843 If you served in our service, thank you for that! I was eligible for Vietnam after 1968 but I was not satisfied with the politics of the war and the service lottery resulted in a number (256) where I wouldn’t be called and I sure didn’t volunteer. I support a war we are fighting to win but it’s a big mess today. I appreciate my father’s service in WWII that gave me the freedoms I enjoy.
In Port Clinton on Lake Erie in Ohio there is one in a live museum, "The Liberty Museum" originally a vehicle and aircraft only.. Last I saw her three years ago they had stripped most of the wood off the sides of the hull. There is a second one on a trailer that looks like it's still the original length but has a civilian pleasure craft cabin.
It is very expensive to operate these boats. In WWII cost was not as important as winning the war at any cost. Now it is hard to keep one running without huge financial support.
@@jerryhooper7727 Thanks Jerry.
My dad was on 302, among others in WW2. I remember he had a license plate for his car for some time, 5M-302 NY
LOOKS GREAT HATCHES SHUT AT SEA
Wow, thanks...
Believe me. It was my pleasure. Thanks for watching.
Car engine sound just doesn't do it for me. But when them 1200hp Packards start breathing - ah!
Likewise, big radial engines from warbirds, and 12 cylinder radiated engines (Merlin, etc.) are just awesome-sounding!
Actually it was 1500 hp per engine and I’ll never hear it again except in an aircraft. After all those years of donated restoration and reconditioning the boat has been shelved and may end up on exhibit at the WWII Museum. I am very disappointed. It was a financial decision which I understand, however, I am grateful to have been one of the few who got a brief experience of what my father experienced in WWII in the Pacific Champaign.
@@jerryhooper7727 Right on, Patriot! My dad was in Nagasaki 1 month after the bomb went off! But back to PT engines - 1500 hp x 3 (!) And after they changed to the roll-off torpedo mechanism I saw where this saved about a ton of weight per side (though extra added armament prob re-accounted for a ton per side...?) so these boats could really scoot! I'm curious if there were any PT vs E-Boat engagements in the Med. Sea - most likely accidental if at all?
Keep her safe and dry !
My Great Uncle on my Mom's side severed on a PT in the Pacific during the war and said he and the engineering crew would get ear and nose bleeds due to the power of the engines at full speed.
My dad fought in the Pacific and rode on PT boats between islands. He said they beat him to death.
Very cool.
Thank you for watching.
very good movie.
Thank you! I will always remember it as my father was moved between pacific island at time on these boats. Thanks to the WWII museum in New Orleans for this opportunity.
Enough firepower to start a little war, but no railings, that’s out of the question! 😂
Just imagine standing on a wet deck while the boat makes a hard starboard turn at 40 knots (46 mph)!!
Would anyone know if pt 305s accident envolved hitting the uss knox???? My grampa was on the knox and told me abt an accident happnd where they wer hit by a freindly he hung off the side of the knox welding it back together for 3 days and they left port for open seas....and they left from neworleans.
The PT 305 "Sudden Jerk" got it's nickname from hitting a dock too hard.
Amazing video! One small correction, I don't think we fought Germans with PT boats on the Pacific! Peace!
I’m sorry if I said Pacific. This boat fought in the Mediterranean.
@@jerryhooper7727 This was really fun, and thanks for the great videography. I have never seen one go fast like that, what a great boat that is!
Am I correct in assuming since Higgins was building PT boats on the lake in the 1940s that this is a Higgins Boat. Elco was in Boston I believe.
This is a Higgins boat. Higgins was selected to build the majority of the D-Day landing craft. They also built many PT boats because of their skill in using wood. In fact, what is now the National WWII Museum started out as the D-Day Museum which honored the local construction of the Higgins landing craft. It actually went “viral” in today’s lingo. In my humble opinion it is the best museum of its kind in the world and it is the number one visitor’s choice on TripAdvisor for New Orleans.
Elco PT Boats were built in New Jersey
Where is Capt. BINGHANTON, MCHALE, AND PARKER?
Nice video ty
I have no clue.🙂
Is this the same type of boat as where one of the Kennedy’s got shipwrecked in?
PT109 was built by Elco in Bayonne, New Jersey. PT305 was built by Higgins in New Orleans, Louisiana. They were similar in design to meet military design parameters but the Higgins was 78’ long and the Elco was 80’.
Gas efficiency is out the window on this boat , some thing like 150 gal x hr. ?
That sounds like a lot but I wonder how it compares to a frigate or destroyer at the same speed?
How many screws does she have?
If two how does the third engine transfer power to the screws?
She has one prop for each engine and three separate gearboxes so they can do one forward, one neutral and the other reverse to help with steering while backing.
Did you get to go under the Causeway?
It isn't right that the museum has taken PT 305 out of service. I will bet that whenever they decide to find the space at the main campus (and that's the main issue, not money) they won't even allow anyone to get pictures from inside the boat. It makes me wonder if going back to New Orleans is even worth the effort.
We turned around just we got to the causeway. It’s a same it’s out of service. It’s always about the money but it could be about the crew. When it was active, they only went out a couple times per week doing 2-3 rides per day, otherwise you could buy just a tour of the boat. They needed a CO and XO, one or two below decks and one or two to watch the passengers. There had to be people at the dock and then came Covid. Maybe a billionaire will buy it and make it a hoot of a weekend ride!😉
Incredible, wish I was there!
I wish everyone who understood the sacrifices of WWII could have enjoyed what I did. My Dad, who was already in the National Guard since November 16, 1940, was married on November 18, 1941 and was the first to go after December 7, 1941. He fought in the Pacific without returning to the US after his separation on August 19, 1945. I'm lucky to be alive and thankful that PT Boats like this shuttled my dad between islands during the war.
some people weren't looking around or anything. just sitting there like a frog on a log. not taking anything in. they should just stay home.
My dad rode some PT Boats between islands in the pacific and I wanted to experience a small part of my father’s effort to defend our country.
Easily one of the most beautiful and job perfect boats ever built to go to war.
I'm going up to New Orleans this fall to neet my Granddaughter Trevelynn I've never met and my first Greatgrandchild Gideon I've also never met and you can bet I'll be checking this old war horse out.
Going to be one awesome vacation for me and my Bebita Colombian Wife Maria.
Jerry great video! Do you know the status of the PT305 today in March 2021? It is rumored that they have been shut down by the Museum and shrink wrapped until further notice? Is there any truth to that?
The PT305 exhibit is closed do to covid restrictions. it probably won’t open until you can crowd a bunch of people on the boat. It’s not cheap to ride on and of course it is not cheap to operate so i’m sure they will wait until they can cover their costs. I will give them a call to see if they have plan now.
After talking with museum officials, there are no definite plans for PT305. She has been mothballed. I think of all the years they spent in restoring her and I'm grateful I got to ride during the limited time she rode the waves of Lake Pontchartrain.
@@jerryhooper7727 Thanks Jerry for looking into it. This is a sad time for PT Boat fans. The 305 was a really fantastic operation, I am saddened to see what they decided to do by leaving her in Limbo until further notice.
My Dad was on the PTs. He left Lake Pon.. in 1943.. with MTBRON 16 12 boats went from New Orleans to panama then loaded on a ship and taken to Bremerton. From there to Attu Alaaka then to the South Pacific for the battles in the Philipeans.
@@allaboutboats they cant aford it anymore brando is giving the farm and the whole damn country away. Where are the hero to get rid of this evil in our land. We need to sound the cry.
Iz Hrvatske 👍👏👍👏
That can’t possibly be a line dangling over the port railing?
As you can see it was possible but it was not in the water or it would have caught me in the neck when the boat was moving. Good catch!
Is she still in commission?
I noticed the commissioning pennet still hoisted.
If she was, she isn’t at this time. The coronavirus caused the exhibit to close and she’s in a storage building until the WWII Museum can find an appropriate place to display a 70’ boat.
They were flying it since they were donated to the museum by the original crewman who obtained the pennant at the end of the war. The 305 boat has not been in Commission since 1945. However that is not a reason to prevent flying the pennant! Tell me, if you had the pennant would'nt you also fly it? It is a historic treasure. Even if you had to bend the rules a little, who is going to say you shouldnt fly it? The Navy regs do not apply anymore, so the operators can do what they want to with the pennant, as far as I see things.
@@allaboutboats I would not fly the pennent.
I would display it proudly in a case.
@@railroad9000 But it is not improper or wrong to fly it is my point.
@@allaboutboats Hi Jerry, I looked on line and could not find anything indicating it was wrong or it was correct.
I have just never seen one oher than on a commissioned vessel.
Learn something new everyday
Fortunately Australia is more liberal in its thinking, so modern regulations wouldn’t be enforced on such historical craft. I’m the owner of a 1944 Ford GPW (Jeep) and I restored it to its original specifications, no indicators, seat belts or extra brake lights.
That would be true here. Autos only need to adhere to what was required at the time of their construction. I think because this was a tour boat, it had to update to modern navigation and safety regulations.
Those guns have live rounds? You think they have dummy receivers lol
Where did that come from?
Passengers are not allowed out of their seats or below to get out of the cold wind and sea spray. It doesn't look like much fun. How much are they paying for this ride?
The boats were not designed to be cruise ships, so you may encounter bad weather and waves. Because of Covid, the Boat was returned to static display at the WWII Museum. The cost was $305/person. It was worth it even on a cool and windy day. How many people left alive can say they got to experience something similar to what their father experienced during WWII? I’m sorry they had to shut the rides down. I’d go again, if I could. Over 36 mpg (43 was top but it was choppy) in a 77’ wooden boat on Lake Pontchartrain with three 1500 hp Packards singing in your ears is something worth remembering.
Ensign Kennedy put on a few lbs…
LOL
Where's mc Hale ???? Lol
He’s out to sea with the Skipper from Gilligan’s Island!
@@jerryhooper7727 lol thanks jerry
I gave it a thumbs down because not because of the project but because of the video video quality the projects a good project but wish you would’ve seen it in a different way
Thanks for your input. I’m sorry it’s not what you expected. If you notice, these are titled as Hooper’s Home Movies. These are just that, home movies made over the years on dads 8mm and super 8, on my digital tape camera and on various cell phones over the years. My goal is not to monetize but to record some family history events so that members of my family can access them anytime they have the desire. I’ve opened them to the public because some people might be interested in the Angola rodeo where the no longer allow cameras or in the 1960’s when my dad invited the US Thunderbirds to a boat trip up Klamath Lake to a BBQ at Rocky Point Resort, Oregon. This info is boring to most people but I hope they will become of some importance to my prosperity even after I’m dead.
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