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frankd
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Posted on: Oct 28, 2022 - 9:03am
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Thought some of the forum members might be interested in the current status of PTF-26, last of the four Osprey Class boats intact. I visit Morro Bay, California frequently and noted better than 2 years ago, that PTF-26 was moored at the Harbor Master dock...and as of today, she is still there. Across the street from the dock is the Morro Bay Maritime History Museum and out of curiosity I wondered over there last weekend and spoke with one of the docents who provided the following info which I will paraphrase....and is absolutely subject to correction for factual content.
PTF26 had been residing in the Sacramento Delta area for quite a few years and had been operated as a Sea Scout training vessel. More recently it was purchased by a Paducah, Kentucky 501C organization (of former military chaplains?) for preservation and training (Sea Scouts?). When it left Stockton via San Fransisco enroute to transit the Panama Canal, PTF-26 experienced some sort of mechanical breakdown and had to put into Morro Bay for repairs. The repairs were presumably completed but then more trouble ensued. Apparently the Mexican government denied permission for the boat to transit its waters because it was an armed military vessel. Subsequently the 40mm Bofors cannon was removed (where is it?) and re-application was made with Mexico....but denied again. The reason was rumored to be retribution for the immigration troubles along our southern boarder.
During the several times I have viewed the boat, there has never been anyone aboard....just a small plaque tacked to the cabin. Curiously, part of the info pertaining to the final destination of the boat...has been scratched out. (I will try to post a photo).
The docent explained that the monthly parking fee was on the order of $1,100/month, the current owners (museum in Kentucky) were at an impass as to how to proceed....and that there had been local (presumably West Coast) organizations that had made offers to buy the boat.
There is quite a bit of info on PTF-26 on the internet and probably some folks out there who know much more about this than I. Just hate to see the grandson of WWII PT's turned into beer cans.
Well, Dick, I'm getting a message that my photo file is too big so I will post this message and try later to post photos.
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LkWashington
New Member
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Posted on: Oct 28, 2022 - 11:49am
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Duplicate post removed.
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Jeff D
Moderator
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 Posted on: Oct 29, 2022 - 5:13am
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Thanks for the update. My WAG is maybe the current location was removed because of a problem with souvenier hunters if it wasn't in a very secure location...
I agree, that sure is an unusual engine! Thanks for the link, the animation explains its operation well.
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frankd
New Member
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Posted on: Oct 29, 2022 - 8:17am
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Shots taken of PTF-26 in better days....still in Navy service 1974, Balboa harbor north of home base for the boats of Squadron 1 at Coronado. The three photos were taken during a photo op run out toward Catalina Island. Engines had not been started yet. The motor mac is seated forward of the sound proof (?) engine room....a far cry from sitting atop a Packard in terms of hearing loss.
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Jerry Gilmartin |
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Oct 30, 2022 - 10:35pm
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Hey! I went to Rio Vista CA 10 years ago and saw the PTF26 when she was moored on the Sacramento River there. I also went to visit Jack Duncan who used to be a crewman aboard the PTF26 in San Diego. Here are a couple of photos. Jack is the one in khakis on the bridge in the first photo. Master Chief Jack Duncan is a 3 war USN Vet, WW2 Torpedoman PT103 then became UDT Frogman at End of WW2 after attending Ft Pierce Fla training, then he was in Korea on USS New Jersey as Turret 3 Shell Deck Captain, then in Vietnam as Senior Enlisted on River Patrol RON1 in San Diego. He has also been a regular visitor to Portland on board PT658. He lives in sunny Lake Havasu AZ with his beautiful wife Marlene. Plus (as a laugher) has anybody ever seen the rating badge for Sailmakers Mate? It looks like Mickey Mouse. LOL. I think if Mickey Mouse ever joined the Navy he should be a Sailmakers Mate 1st Class
Jerry Gilmartin
PT658 Crewman
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Jeff D
Moderator
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Posted on: Oct 31, 2022 - 7:42am
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Nice photos guys, thanks. LOL at the rating badge for Sailmakers Mate Jerry! They probably get pointed at when an officer comes aboard and demands "Who's in charge of this Mickey Mouse operation?".
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