PT 617 is at the PT Boat Museum, part of the Battleship Cove Museum in Fall River, Massachusetts. It has been restored and is on static display. You can find out more about Battleship cove here at the Battleship Cove Web Site.
PT 796 is also on display at Battleship Cove. It hasn't been restored to the condition of PT 617, but is worth a look. It's interesting to note the PT 796 was used in President John F. Kennedy's inaugural parade when he was sworn in as President. Lieutenant Kennedy skippered PT 109 in the Pacific during world War II. PT 796 was renumbered PT 109 for the parade. To learn more about John F. Kennedy and the fate of PT 109, check my JFK and PT 109 page.
PT 728 is owned by Bill Bohmfalk in Florida. It is a Vosper that has been restored in the fashion of an Elco. Bill had it in a Special History Channel show, "The Great Ships - The PT Boats". It's a well done documentary on PT Boats. You can get a copy from PT Boats, Inc., (901) 755-8440 for only $19.95 complete with shipping. Recommended viewing.
PT 658 is at the Naval Reserve Center, Portland, OR. PT 659 is at the Oregon Military Mus., Portland, OR. The PT 658 is being restored, using some parts from the '659. Save the PT Boat, Inc. and PT Boat Restoration, Inc. are involved in the restoration. The 659 boat is to be moved to the Fort Vancouver National Historical Site in Vancouver Washington.
PT 309 is being restored in Texas, eventually to be on
display at the Admiral Nimitz Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg,
Texas. It's a combat veteran, having been part of Squadron 22 (RON 22) in the
European theater during the war. It has actually been in use by a private party
as a day fishing vessel in the Long Island area before the museum obtained it.
It's not on display yet since it's restoration isn't complete, so there's no PT
Boat info at the Nimitz Museum Homepage yet. There is a support group, Friends
of PT 309, $20 membership gets a newsletter with updates about the restoration
etc. You can check out the Admiral Nimitz Museum at:
Admiril Nimitz Museum of the Pacific war
I've heard from the restoration committee. They've completed the starboard section of the bow, and are in the process of restoring rotted beams and planks. About 5% of the outer mahogany hull planks and the hull is being coated with a modern epoxy. The boat's nickname, "Oh Frankie!" has been painted on the bow. Some parts of the PT 308 are being used as is or are being used as a template for replacement parts. The plans for this type of boat have been archived by the University of New Orleans.
The committe wants to make the 309 seaworthy and dock her next to the
Battleship Texas in the Houston Ship Channel. The PT 309 is the only PT boat
left that was actually in combat. If you'd like to contact the restoration
committee they can be reached at either of the following:
PT 309 Restoration Committee
Nimitz Museum
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