YMS-107 on the ways

Photographer

Glander Art Studio

Date

• March 28, 1942

Summary

• In this stern view taken March 28, 1942, the YMS-107, the first wooden minesweeper built by the Burger Boat Company in Manitowoc, Wisconsin for World War II service, is shown on the ways at the Burger boat yard prior to being side-launched into the Manitowoc River. Burger workmen and company officials surround the vessel as final launch preparations are made, and one worker can be seen on deck. There is a light dusting of snow on the ground. In March 1941, the Burger Boat Company, located at 1811 Spring Street in Manitowoc, had secured a $2,000,000 contract to construct six wooden minesweepers for the U.S. Navy. Three years later the company was awarded another contract for eight more minesweepers. During the war Burger also built utility craft, steel tugs, crash boats, rescue boats, and submarine chasers as well as the minesweepers. To accommodate this work, the company built at least 600 feet of new docking in its facility, and the city of Manitowoc dredged the river near the Burger yards. Pine or spruce shipped from Oregon was used to build the hulls of the minesweepers and other wooden vessels. During construction, the yards were closed to the public, and the Burger entrance and waterfront were policed to provide security.