Launched on November 9, 1944 as the SS Red Oak Victory, and commissioned as the USS Red Oak Victory (AK235) in December, 1944, the Red Oak Victory is the only vessel built by the Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond, California that is being restored. The ship saw service in World War II, Korea and Vietnam and has the distinction of being the only ship operated by both military and civilian personnel during her career.

In 1996, by an Act of Congress, title to the SS Red Oak Victory was conveyed to the Richmond Museum Association. One of the primary goals of the museum is to preserve, restore and develop the Red Oak Victory into a viable asset that can be used, enjoyed and appreciated by the citizens of Richmond and the surrounding Bay Area communities.

No man had a greater influence on the City of Richmond than Henry J. Kaiser. It is important that his accomplishments and contributions to the war effort and community be made known as an example of what committed people can do.

The Richmond Museum of History has undertaken this unique restoration project because one object, a World War II Victory Ship, has brought together the devotion and commitment of volunteers, the wartime accomplishments of a community, and the vision and ingenuity of one man.

Spruced up SS Red Oak Victory ship comes home to Richmond

GREAT NEWS!

As of 12:55 PM, October 14, the SS Red Oak Victory is back home. After nearly a month in BAE’s drydocks in San Francisco, the ship successfully made the voyage back to its home at Berth 6A with a new coat of paint and an improved hull among many other improvements.

Please, come check out the revamped Red Oak Victory!

SS Red Oak Victory, October 14, 2011.

SS Red Oak Victory, May 5, 2013.

SS Red Oak Victory, May 5, 2013.

SS Red Oak Victory, May 5, 2013.

SS Red Oak Victory, May 5, 2013.

SS Red Oak Victory, May 5, 2013.

SS Red Oak Victory, May 5, 2013.

Also, along with the ship's arrival, the Richmond Museum Association proudly welcomed the arrival of a 1942 Ford fire truck used at Kaiser Shipyard #3! Many thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Anthony D’Ambrosio of Potenza Transport for bringing the truck back to the location where it was used during the home front years.

1942 Ford Fire Truck , October 14, 2011.

For more information about visiting the Red Oak Victory,
please call the ship phone at 510-237-2933

See a little of what's happening to the Red Oak in dry dock.

WORLD WAR II RELIC READY FOR FACE-LIFT
VIDEO
By Chris Treadway
Inside Bay Area/Oakland Tribune
09/15/2011

Red Oak Victory, September 15, 2011. Photo by Bruce Moorad

The Restored Burlington Northern Depot & WWII Memorial Museum
305 SOUTH 2ND STREET, RED OAK IOWA  51566