SS George Washington Carver

Anna Bland is shown at work on George Washington Carver in April 1943. This photo was one of a series taken on behalf of the

Lena Horne, sponsor of George Washington Carver, prepares to swing the champagne bottle at the

USAHS Dogwood under way in

USAT George Washington Carver in 1946

SS George Washington Carver was a Liberty ship named in honor of George Washington Carver, a prominent African-American scientist and inventor, primarily known for his work in agriculture. The ship was one of the many Liberty ships built during World War II to support the Allied efforts by transporting troops, goods, and equipment. Liberty ships were a class of cargo ship produced in large quantities in the United States to meet wartime demands, known for their quick and economical construction.

Construction and Specifications

The SS George Washington Carver was laid down on May 24, 1943, at the California Shipbuilding Corporation in Los Angeles, and launched on July 7, 1943. Like other Liberty ships, it was designed for rapid construction and could carry a cargo of over 10,000 tons. The ship measured approximately 441 feet in length and 56 feet in width, with a draft of 27 feet. It was powered by a steam engine, which drove a single screw propeller, enabling it to reach speeds of up to 11 knots.

Service History

Upon completion, the SS George Washington Carver was pressed into service to support the Allied war effort. Liberty ships like the Carver played a crucial role in the logistics chain, transporting everything from ammunition and vehicles to food and troops across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. They were instrumental in the success of operations such as the Normandy Invasion and the island-hopping campaigns in the Pacific.

The SS George Washington Carver, like many Liberty ships, faced the constant threat of attack from U-boats and aircraft, as the Axis powers sought to cut off the supply lines that were vital to the Allies. Despite these dangers, the Carver and its crew managed to complete multiple voyages, contributing to the massive logistical effort that was essential for victory in the war.

Post-War Service and Legacy

After the war, the need for the vast Liberty ship fleet waned. Many, including the SS George Washington Carver, were laid up in reserve fleets, sold for commercial use, or scrapped. The specific post-war fate of the Carver varies in accounts, but like many of its sister ships, it likely served in a commercial capacity before being retired.

The legacy of the SS George Washington Carver, and Liberty ships in general, extends beyond their wartime service. They symbolize the industrial might of the United States during World War II and the country's ability to mobilize its resources in a time of need. The naming of the ship after George Washington Carver also reflects the recognition of African Americans' contributions to the war effort and the nation at large, during a time when segregation and discrimination were still pervasive in American society.

See Also

• Liberty ship
• George Washington Carver
• World War II
• California Shipbuilding Corporation