no mater who you are, if you have a pbr project your boat started here no mater who you are, if you...
TRANSCRIPT
No mater who you are, if you have a PBR projectyour boat started here
No mater who you are, if you have a PBR projectyour boat started here
Boat History:
Our Project Team:J-7844 is owned / projected by Bob BrowerBob was a boat captain with the 458th PBR (TC) out of Cat Lo 69/70. Bob is also the “Sole” ownerHe is also past Vice President of the 458th “Sea Tigers” and Gamewardens NW Chapter” “I’m happy to report that the Army & Navy are still working together” “PBR Brothers Forever”
In August of 1969 the US Army executed a contract with Uniflite, formally known as United Boat Builders for three MkII PBR’s. The hull numbers of these boats were J-7842, 43 and 44. PBR J-7844 is the last PBR built for the US Army. It is believed that the Army’s original39 PBR’s sent to the 458th PBR in Vietnam were built under contract NC-8253. Production beganNovember 1967 and completed May of 1968. PBR J-7844’s contract number NC-70-0245 appears to have been attached to a 20 boat Navy contract completed February 1970.
It is believed that these three PBR’s were to be used as replacement boats for the US Army’s458 Trans. Co. (PBR), which had sustained combat losses in South Vietnam. However, it seems they were not shipped due to Vietnamization programs scheduled to begin turning over the Army’s PBR to the Vietnamese Navy in 1971.
The “44” boat was purchase at a government sale by Fred Ropkey, a military collector from Indiana. Fred later sold to Clay Parks from Wisconsin. A team of Uniflite boat enthusiasts secured and transport it back home to Bellingham, Washington (where all the PBR’s were built).
It is now on loan to Gamewardens of Vietnam NW Chapter at Naval Station Everett / Jim Creek forsupport restoration and their continued mission to reach out to both the men and women who serve on the waterways years ago and today regardless of uniform service.
Late Fall 2004, Bob Brower received some exciting news,… it was believed that the last Army PBR may have been located. At the 2004 458th reunion held at Ft. Eustis, it was heard that two PBR’s were used for harbor security at and around 3rd Port at Ft Eustis. After a few calls and an actual observation of the boat in Houlton, Wisconsin, a tiger team was assembled for the purpose of retrieving & restoring the boat. The following is a pictorial of our efforts to bring home J-7844, the last Army PBR.
Forward:
United Boat Builders / Uniflite Contract Sheet
Courtesy Tim Southerland
Secure Technology
Courtesy Tim Southerland
Secure Technology
Army PBR Restoration Project
Original 39 BoatsNotice the Screw-up in the Numbering
ME
2nd Boat J-7816
My 1st Boat –J7813
Some things do not change…Up there on the 16 Boat, Dn here on the 44 Boat
Don’t take it personal…it was a fleeing moment, after 18 hrs…sun –rain and salt spray !
My Crews then and now Still have fun at the Reunions
My Crews then and now Still have fun at the Reunions
Bringing Her Home to Bellingham, Washington
Denise and Clay ParksA wonderful young coupleand American Patriots
Jerry Popovice – DriverBob Brower – Trucker Aide 2nd Cls
Packed and ready to leave Houlton, Wi. to Bellingham, Wa. Almost home !
Thank You Jack Hilde and Brownline Trucking
Arrival at Padden Creek & BIMM museum
Clay – Buff – Bob – Lyle – Jerry
Army PBR Restoration Project
Unloading Her at Padden Creek Marine / Old Uniflite Site“Where all the PBR’s Were Built”
Bob Moorse past Prod. Mgr. on PBR’s
Vic Duppenthalerpast Proj. Mgr. on PBR’sPres. of Padden Creek Marine
Bob
Bob BrowerArmy PBR
Jerry PopoviceNavy PBR
Thank You Padden Creek MarineBellingham , Washington
Todd Warger Historian
Army PBR Restoration Project
Best of Friends
Army PBR Restoration Project
Andy RossMP- Cogido DockLives in California
Vic DuppenthalerOwner of Padden Creek Marine
458th PBR’s Table
Art Notdtvedt - Ralph Christopher Designer / Builder WriterOf all the PBR’s
Chris DuppenthalerIs Vic’s son.
Diane & Bob BrowerShe has been with me all the way
“Less we forget”
Some of the Navy and ArmyFriends of the last Army PBR
J-7844