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  PT-617 "Dragon Lady / Big Red Cock"
USN
80' Elco
Motor Torpedo Boat

56 Tons
80' x 20' 8" x 5'
1 x 40mm gun
1 x 37mm gun
1 x 20mm gun
2 x twin 50 cal MG
4 x 21" torpedoes

Ship History
Built by Electric Boat Company (Elco) in Bayonne, NJ. Laid down March 29, 1945 as Motor Torpedo Boat 80' Elco. Launched July 28, 1945. Completed September 21, 1945. Commissioned into the U.S. Navy (USN) as PT-617.

During September 1945, assigned to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 42 (MTBRon 42) under the command of Lt. Comdr. James A. Danver, USNR the only squadron commissioned after the cessation of hostilities but never shipped overseas to join the Pacific Fleet. Nicknamed "Dragon Lady" and later renamed "Big Red Cock". Placed out of service on January 28, 1946. Transfered to the War Shipping Administration on October 23, 1947. Afterwards, sold off as war surplus.

Display
PT-617 is displayed at Battleship Cove in Fall River, Massachusetts. Placed on static display at the PT Boat Museum with PT-796. Both vessels were designated as National Historic Landmarks.

References
NavSource PT-617
At Close Quarters PT Boats in the United States Navy (1962) pages 482

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Last Updated
November 26, 2023

 

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