BETHLEHEM STEEL WWII SHIP PRODUCTION VICTORY & LIBERTY SHIPS MD86514

SHIPWAYS is a 1945 film presented by the Bethlehem Steel Company – Shipbuilding Division. The film opens with vintage footage of massive modern ships being built in the yards of Bethlehem Steel Company. (00:00:55:00) Then, we see the christening ceremony (00:01:50:00) of the USS Topeka. A nice shot of ships at Bethlehem yards is seen at (00:04:50:00. Various ship models from the distant past are seen at (00:05:22:00). A nice animated montage of Bethlehem ships launched from Quincy Yards is seen at (00:06:32:00). Famous ships from Sparrows Point Yard during World War I can be seen at (00:6:53:00). Finally, ships from San Francisco Yard are shown at (00:07:05:00). An animated map of Bethlehem’s yards across America can be witnessed at (00:07:27:00). The process of shipbuilding begins with detailed sketches (00:08:35:00). This is followed by hull designs going to the mold loft. (00:08:50:00) Soon, we have a large model to work with. (00:10:22:00) Now, let’s follow a ship through the assembly line starting with the fabricating shop. (00:10:29:00) Next, at the building yard we see workers placing the keel block and running the centerline. (00:11:40:00) After that, we see amazing visuals of the steel parts of the ship being put in place, bit by bit. (00:12:20:00). After much hard work, the ship has its launch ceremony, a major event. (00:15:18:00) Once launched, the ship is off to the outfitting pier, where all of America contributes to putting the finishing touches on the latest Victory ship. (00:17:12:00) Finally, she is off for her trial run at sea. (00:18:10:00) An animated map shows where ships can go to be serviced, (00:18:42:00) followed by various footage of repairs. (00:18:57:00) The ability to convert peace vessels to warships is integral to Bethlehem. (00:20:00:00) Once the Second World War hit, the largest ship building operation in American history took place. Thousands of workers were hired (00:23:15:00) trained, (00:23:35:00) and eventually building ships. (00:24:20:00) We then see the launch of a myriad of ships (00:24:50:00). An overview of how the attack on Pearl Harbor effected the ship building operation begins at (00:26:10:00). Brilliant footage of the Destroyer Escort can be seen at (00:27:10:00). An amazing shot of five ships being launched due to extreme need, can be seen at (00:28:40:00). A commissioning ceremony for the British Navy can be seen at (00:29:13:00). Soon, Bethlehem began building landing craft to give our troops an edge in battle. (00:30:25:00) The launch of the second USS Lexington can be seen at (00:32:15:00). A carrier of epic proportions, the USS Wasp, can be seen being launched at (00:33:15:00). The USS John Hancock can be seen being christened at (00:34:50:00). The film ends with the President of Bethlehem broadcasting a message of progress to all of its workers and all of America. (00:36:10:00) Many launches are shown at (00:37:45:00). Various impressive shots of shipyards appear at (00:07:40:00), (00:18:25:00), (00:20:50:00), (00:22:32:00), (00:25:10:00), (00:27:30:00) and (00:29:00:00). Additional footage of ships out at sea can be witnessed at (00:07:55:00), (00:30:00:00), (00:31:25:00), and (00:34:30:00). Ship wreckage and battle footage can be seen at (00:20:40:00), (00:26:53:00), (00:30:15:00), (00:31:45:00) and (00:32:35:00). We encourage viewers to add comments and, especially, to provide additional information about our videos by adding a comment! See something interesting? Tell people what it is and what they can see by writing something for example: “01:00:12:00 -- President Roosevelt is seen meeting with Winston Churchill at the Quebec Conference.“ This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit Want to support this channel and help us preserve old films? Visit Visit our website