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A volunteer pulls something out of the antenna array on top of the 1091’s bridge. -
The radio room is almost completely restored, and features functional Morse Code transponders and other equipment. -
Don Reed takes the wheel — but adds that the bridge has been outfitted with modern engine and steering equipment. -
The museum would like to get the 1091 out of the water to inspect the hull, but lacks the funds and the means. For the time being, it’s hoping to attract more visitors to the ship. -
The museum owns several skiffs that it hopes to restore and use for events like races on the bay. But the 1091 remains first priority. -
Looking toward mainland. Reed said the boat sometimes has issues with homeless people sleeping aboard, and the museum volunteers regularly clear trash from nearby parking lots. -
Vintage oscilloscopes in the radio room. -
Reed demonstrates how crew members in the engine room would communicate with the bridge through a “voice tube” — only a slight technological improvement on two cans with a string. -
These life vests don’t fit modern safety standards, but they add some historical color to the 1091. -
Looking west from the stern of the 1091. The museum restored the winch, pictured here, which would have dropped an anchor as the boat ran ashore to discharge its troops. The boat would then use the stern anchor to pull itself back into the water. The museum sometimes uses the winch to reposition the 1091 along the dock. -
The 1091 had four 50-person bunks, and infantry men were rarely let above deck as the boat island-hopped during World War II. Reed said you didn’t want a top bunk — it was too cramped. But you didn’t want a bottom bunk either — the chance of someone getting seasick above you was higher. -
The ladder up to the empty gun tubs and bridge.
Grant Scott-Goforth was an assistant editor and staff writer for The Journal from 2013 to 2017. More by Grant Scott-Goforth