Red Oak Victory

We visited Red Oak Victory during the late summer. We drove up and spent the morning in Vallejo at LCS-102 and then toured Red Oak Victory in the afternoon. Red Oak Victory is one of the most internally immaculate museum ships I've been on - the engine room is a marvel in particular, as well as the steering station aft (which I have never visited on another Victory or Liberty ship - and I have been on SS John W. Brown and SS American Victory on the east coast). We had the privilege of being shown around by the head docent, Alan, who was a wealth of knowledge. The setting for the museum is also excellent, the big eerie storage warehouse next door and the historic crane next to the ship all help the visitor envision what this shipyard looked like in WWII. It is the most intact site remaining of the storied Kaiser Shipyards. Parking was very easy, finding the ship was easy (driving around a massive lot of Subarus), and bathrooms were readily available. The exterior of the ship shows some rust due to the harsh salt & wind, but don't let that fool you - overall the ship is in great shape and walking the decks is an adventure worth taking. The ship is only open once per week so I recommend contacting them ahead of time to ensure your visit actually coincides with their open hours. This is a must-do if in the Bay Area whatsoever. It really gives you a feeling for what these merchant marines did during WWII, the marvel that Victory Ships were/are, and how Richmond contributed to the war effort. Plus, Red Oak Victory was actually a navy ship (for transporting ammo) in WWII, so that's an added bonus. Neatly enough, I found out that the 5-inch gun on the stern was actually the old training gun from Treasure Island that was displaced by the recent redevelopment there. Cool way to pass on some San Fran history to a ship that needed a more appropriate gun!

Finally made it to the pancake breakfast and it just happened to be during fleet week. Just be prepared for the wind. All the docent-led tours were sold out. we still enjoyed our self guided tour exploring the ship. We will definitely be back to take a guided tour. Which is still going on even though the pancake breakfasts are done for the year

Did a photoshoot here, the volunteers here were very helpful

The crew that provide tours were great. Learned alot about sea life for the sailors, learned about the ship and also navigation. Provided a new appreciation to those that service and all it takes to man a vessel like that.

Great place to learn history. This ship needs a makeover and renovation. Thank you for the volunteers who continue to support the red oak victory to be open for the public.

Don't miss out on their Brunch/ Breakfasts, Bands and tours. Great Mother's Day '23 brunch our of Red Oaks Galley kitchen

For those who love military history and ships this ship provides a lot to enjoy. The ship is in states of full restoration and parcel restoration and provides a surrealistic glimpse into the past what the men who served on this ship had to deal with and how time has taken a toll on this ship over the years. The ship usually has docents and crew members who know everything about the ship and can explain things to you in great detail. The ship also serves as a place for events that celebrate the past. They have social functions like dances or pancake breakfast or even events where people sing and celebrate moments in history. If you're even any bit curious as to what shifts of World War II were like I encourage you to visit the ship. It's in an area that affords less complicated parking then you would experience in visiting ships in San Francisco. Go to their website and check out that page and then check out the ship!

A unique chance to step on and explore an 80 year old WW2 ship, on of only few survivor from the glory days of Kaiser shipyards. Keep in mind winter hours, as they close early and only open on weekends.

Red Oak Victory is a U.S. Victory ship of the Boulder Victory-class cargo ship used in the Second World War. She was one of 534 Victories built during World War II, but one of only a few of these ships to be transferred from the Merchant Marine to the United States Navy. She was named after Red Oak, Iowa, which suffered disproportionate casualties in early World War II battles.(Montgomery County ranked third among Iowa counties in World War II casualties per capita).The ship was active during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

We visited on a day when they were celebrating Rosie the Riveter, live band, cooking breakfast in the ships galley, eating on the deck in brilliant sunshine and a fantastic view of the bay and San Francisco. Docents explaining the history and functions of the ship. It was a great experience. The ship is a treasure and part of history touching on women's rights and the rights of blacks and other minorities. Worth seeing.

Open only on Sundays, I believe, for tours. Very cool--able to walk all around the ship.

I really enjoyed going here seen some of the things that happened on one of the old ships the SS was very beautiful even though time had worn it learning history is a great thing

Just a brief look outside, no tour. Bigger than I expected. Crane on the doc is massive too. Self guided tours are $10, docent lead tours, 2 hrs $15. I will be back for a docent tour soon. Open only Sundays.

Wonderful experience! Our docent, Ron, was extremely knowledgeable about the ship as well as other WWII facts. His knowledge of the engine room was most impressive, and admitted he’s still learning. Having visited the Jeremiah O’Brien, it was nice to be able to compare and contrast both of them. Asides from Ron, everyone was extremely friendly and helpful.
The ship is in remarkably good condition. Hopefully, they’ll be able to secure funding to continue its preservation.
If you’re a naval and/or WWII buff, definitely put this on your list of “must see”.

Tour of the historic WWII Supply Ship for the South Pacific built by Kaiser Metals.

I enjoyed this tour more than the Hornet

Went to Father's Day breakfast, food was really good, fast, plenty of seating, great live band, volunteers are very nice & helpful, plenty of free parking, learned a lot of history while touring the ship, will be going back again.
Worth the time and it was inexpensive.

I loved this museum! She is an impressive ship to behold, and truly a wonderful piece of history. The people who work there are really nice, and treated us with respect. I urge anyone who can spare the money to donate to this beautiful ship. She’s almost back to running condition and could really use the help!

History buff heaven! Self guided tour with info pamphlet/guide $10, Docent led tour $15, including engine room $20. Museum exhibits downstairs. Tour is worth the extra $5-$10!

My visit to the Red Oak Victory brought back memories from my time in the US Navy. I served aboard two modified Victory ships, four years at sea. This ship is priceless, I hope it continues to be maintained for future visitors. If anyone wants to see a bit of history from WWII then you must visit this ship! I hope to see her again one of these days! Also, about the review from Tracy Lim: She's an idiot and has no clue what this ship represents. It's not a "tourist attraction"!!!

Great WWII piece of history that is being restored by volunteers. SS Red Oak Victory was built in 90 days. Yes, an 'army' of Rosies welders and other women workers built the ship. In dock in Richmond, CA where she was built. Well worth a visit.