Kaiser Shipyard – California’s Gold (1003)

Working around the clock and 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Kaiser shipyard in Richmond, California built 747 ships for the war effort during WWII With full medical care, housing, day care and 24 hour meals, it was the model of efficiency and the forerunner of Kaiser Permanente.

In this episode, Huell  visits the site of the Kaiser Shipyard and talk with people who worked there throughout the war, including some “Rosie the Riveters” who took the place of the many men who were overseas.

As a special treat we follow one of the original Victory ships that was built at the shipyard as it returns home. The SS Red Oak Victory was saved by the city of Richmond and towed out of the Naval Reserve Fleet at Suisun Bay down to its new home where it will be restored and used as a museum. So tag along on this exciting day as a piece of California’s Gold comes home.

1999