No mater who you are, if you have a PBR projectyour boat started here

No mater who you are, if you have a PBR projectyour boat started here

Boat History:

Our Project Team:J-7844 is owned / projected by Bob BrowerBob was a boat captain with the 458th PBR (TC) out of Cat Lo 69/70. Bob is also the “Sole” ownerHe is also past Vice President of the 458th “Sea Tigers” and Gamewardens NW Chapter” “I’m happy to report that the Army & Navy are still working together” “PBR Brothers Forever”

In August of 1969 the US Army executed a contract with Uniflite, formally known as United Boat Builders for three MkII PBR’s. The hull numbers of these boats were J-7842, 43 and 44. PBR J-7844 is the last PBR built for the US Army. It is believed that the Army’s original39 PBR’s sent to the 458th PBR in Vietnam were built under contract NC-8253. Production beganNovember 1967 and completed May of 1968. PBR J-7844’s contract number NC-70-0245 appears to have been attached to a 20 boat Navy contract completed February 1970.

It is believed that these three PBR’s were to be used as replacement boats for the US Army’s458 Trans. Co. (PBR), which had sustained combat losses in South Vietnam. However, it seems they were not shipped due to Vietnamization programs scheduled to begin turning over the Army’s PBR to the Vietnamese Navy in 1971.

The “44” boat was purchase at a government sale by Fred Ropkey, a military collector from Indiana. Fred later sold to Clay Parks from Wisconsin. A team of Uniflite boat enthusiasts secured and transport it back home to Bellingham, Washington (where all the PBR’s were built).

It is now on loan to Gamewardens of Vietnam NW Chapter at Naval Station Everett / Jim Creek forsupport restoration and their continued mission to reach out to both the men and women who serve on the waterways years ago and today regardless of uniform service.

Late Fall 2004, Bob Brower received some exciting news,… it was believed that the last Army PBR may have been located. At the 2004 458th reunion held at Ft. Eustis, it was heard that two PBR’s were used for harbor security at and around 3rd Port at Ft Eustis. After a few calls and an actual observation of the boat in Houlton, Wisconsin, a tiger team was assembled for the purpose of retrieving & restoring the boat. The following is a pictorial of our efforts to bring home J-7844, the last Army PBR.

Forward:

United Boat Builders / Uniflite Contract Sheet

Courtesy Tim Southerland

Secure Technology

Courtesy Tim Southerland

Secure Technology

Army PBR Restoration Project

Original 39 BoatsNotice the Screw-up in the Numbering

ME

2nd Boat J-7816

My 1st Boat –J7813

Some things do not change…Up there on the 16 Boat, Dn here on the 44 Boat

Don’t take it personal…it was a fleeing moment, after 18 hrs…sun –rain and salt spray !

My Crews then and now Still have fun at the Reunions

My Crews then and now Still have fun at the Reunions

Bringing Her Home to Bellingham, Washington

Denise and Clay ParksA wonderful young coupleand American Patriots

Jerry Popovice – DriverBob Brower – Trucker Aide 2nd Cls

Packed and ready to leave Houlton, Wi. to Bellingham, Wa. Almost home !

Thank You Jack Hilde and Brownline Trucking

Arrival at Padden Creek & BIMM museum

Clay – Buff – Bob – Lyle – Jerry

Army PBR Restoration Project

Unloading Her at Padden Creek Marine / Old Uniflite Site“Where all the PBR’s Were Built”

Bob Moorse past Prod. Mgr. on PBR’s

Vic Duppenthalerpast Proj. Mgr. on PBR’sPres. of Padden Creek Marine

Bob

Bob BrowerArmy PBR

Jerry PopoviceNavy PBR

Thank You Padden Creek MarineBellingham , Washington

Todd Warger Historian

Army PBR Restoration Project

Best of Friends

Army PBR Restoration Project

Andy RossMP- Cogido DockLives in California

Vic DuppenthalerOwner of Padden Creek Marine

458th PBR’s Table

Art Notdtvedt - Ralph Christopher Designer / Builder WriterOf all the PBR’s

Chris DuppenthalerIs Vic’s son.

Diane & Bob BrowerShe has been with me all the way

“Less we forget”

Some of the Navy and ArmyFriends of the last Army PBR

J-7844