Launch PT-305! Help the National WWII Museum launch the world's only fully operational and fully restored combat-veteran PT boat! Historic WWII PT boat heads home through streets of New Orleans I really really like PT boats, more than I like Stuart tanks and P-40s (ok, maybe all about the same). Anyway, PT 305 was located, restored and now is undergoing sea trials and crew training in Lake Pontchartrain. It will be displayed in a purpose built venue, and available for charter rides. I can see a WW2F Field Trip (complete w/report to Otto) in the near future. After Mardi Gras at least. The best thing about it is that PT 305 is a Higgins style boat, built in New Orleans at the Higgins Industries facilities. It is also the only restored PT boat (Higgins and Elco boats) that is sea worthy that is a combat veteran ( of the ETO). How cool is that? Here's an excerpt from wiki: PT-305 PT-305 ("Half Hitch","Barfly", "USS Sudden Jerk") is a Higgins 78-foot (24 m) boat, assigned during the war to RON22, and saw action against the Germans in the Mediterranean Sea. Squadron 22 was operating with the British Royal Navy Coastal Forces, and saw action along the northwest coast of Italy and southern coast of France. In June 1945 the squadron was shipped to the U.S. for refitting and transfer to the Pacific, but the war ended while still in New York. The PT-305 was cut down to 65 feet (20 m) for use as an oyster seed boat in Crisfield, Maryland. PT-305 was acquired by the Defenders of America Naval Museum (DOANM), and then sold in May 2007 to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. PT-305 is undergoing restoration (as of 2016) to become a seaworthy, operational vessel on Lake Pontchartrain. I originally posted this over on our sister site, ww2f a few days ago in case this looks a little bit familiar.
PT-305 is located at the World War 2 (D-Day) Museum in New Orleans. If you ever get a chance I highly recommend scheduling a ride. PT-305 Rides | The National WWII Museum | New Orleans Experience history like never before aboard PT-305! Fast and maneuverable, patrol-torpedo boats were a unique and essential tool for US naval forces during World War II. See and feel the PT boat experience and learn about the service of the men who called them home with PT-305—the world's only fully restored combat-veteran PT boat in operation today! Ride Details: Only offered on Saturday, limited availability. We highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance to assure your spot on the boat. Ride times are 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. Children under 12 are not allowed on the boat. Lasts approximately 90 minutes. $350 per person; $305 for seniors, children ages 12–17, military, and Museum Members. The boat is not ADA accessible. Exclusive charters are available. Please call 504-528-1944 x 402 for further details.
