Small IX - Experimental Freighters: Photographs
| These photographs were selected to show the original configuration of this class and major subsequent modifications. For more views see the former NHHC (now Hyperwar) Online Library of Selected Images and the NavSource Photo Archive. |
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USS Sea Otter II (IX-53) A model probably representing an early concept of this vessel. The bow and stern configurations resemble the ship as built, but the superstructure is completely different. Note the steering chains on deck and the single lifeline running down the centerline. The small hatch openings are barely visible. Photo No. NR&L(M) 25861 Source: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command |
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USS Sea Otter II (IX-53) Under construction in a photo bearing the date 20 August 1941. Note the austere building ways, the absence of a raked addition to the bow, and the presence of a second level on the superstructure. Workers appear to be painting the hull including the entire bow. An otherwise similar photo bearing the date 18 August (NR&L(M) 25872) lacks the second superstructure level and the hull is unpainted. Photo No. NR&L(M) 25871 Source: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command |
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USS Sea Otter II (IX-53) Under construction in a photo bearing the date 18 August 1941. The relationship between this photo and the one above is not clear. The basic hull is the same, but it is on a different building ways, has the raked addition to the bow, and lacks the second superstructure level in the photo dated 20 August. The bow lacks paint while the rest of the hull is painted. The shed under the building ways has a sign showing the builder's number for Sea Otter II, Hull 215. Photo No. NR&L(M) 25870 Source: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command |
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USS Sea Otter II (IX-53) Running trials, probably at Orange, Texas, in October 1941. The ship ran more trials in Charleston, S.C., in November and this series of photos might have been taken there. Photo No. NR&L(M) 25867 Source: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command |
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USS Sea Otter II (IX-53) Alongside a pier during trials, probably at Orange, Texas, in October 1941. The hatches are more conspicuous than on the model and the lifelines are in the usual location along the sides of the ship. Photo No. NR&L(M) 25868 Source: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command |
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USS Sea Otter II (IX-53) A view of her bridge structure during trials, probably at Orange, Texas, in October 1941. Photo No. NR&L(M) 25869 Source: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command |
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USS Sea Otter II (IX-53) A stern view during trials, probably at Orange, Texas, in October 1941. The rudder had no protection except for a heavy pipe guard at deck level. Steering cables ran on deck and then above the pipe guard to a crosshead at the top of the rudder. The name in small letters on the stern and on the life rings was rendered "Sea Otter No. 2." Photo No. NR&L(M) 25865 Source: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command |
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