Alabama Drydock & Shibuilding Co.

The United States has long been a major builder of large transport ships, but the onset of World War II necessitated that a large number of vessels be built quickly. They were used to carry military equipment and troops overseas, and the invention of the German U Boat submarine led to the destruction of hundreds of existing ships. New shipyards began to spring open all over the country to keep up with the demand for a well stocked Merchant Marine fleet.

Once such facility was built in Mobile, Alabama in the early 1940's. It was established by the Alabama Drydock and Shipbuilding Company, which already had shipyards in Chickasaw and Pascagoula. Originally Mobile was not considered as a potential location, but as the need for more vessels increased drastically, the company opened up their new yard on Pinto Island. The facility employed more than 18,000 people by 1943, but later that same year company executives declared that the site simply did not have the ability to continue producing ships. A lack of proper management was listed as the reason behind this decision. At the time only 20 vessels had been completed.

Last modified: December 09 2009.