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

1. No mater who you are, if you have a PBR project your boat started here

2. Forward: 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. Boat History: 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 original 39 PBR’s sent to the 458th PBR in Vietnam were built under contract NC-8253. Production began November 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’s 458 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 for support 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. Our Project Team: J-7844 is owned / projected by Bob Brower Bob was a boat captain with the 458th PBR (TC) out of Cat Lo 69/70. Bob is also the “Sole” owner He 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”

3. Army PBR Restoration Project United Boat Builders / Uniflite Contract Sheet Original 39 Boats Notice the Screw-up in the Numbering Courtesy Tim Southerland Secure Technology

4. Don’t take it personal…it was a fleeing moment, after 18 hrs…sun –rain and salt spray ! My 1st Boat –J7813 ME Some things do not change…Up there on the 16 Boat, Dn here on the 44 Boat 2nd Boat J-7816 My Crews then and now Still have fun at the Reunions

5. Army PBR Restoration Project Bringing Her Home to Bellingham, Washington Packed and ready to leave Houlton, Wi. to Bellingham, Wa. Almost home ! Arrival at Padden Creek & BIMM museum Jerry Popovice – Driver Bob Brower – Trucker Aide 2nd Cls Denise and Clay Parks A wonderful young couple and American Patriots Thank You Jack Hilde and Brownline Trucking Clay – Buff – Bob – Lyle – Jerry

6. Army PBR Restoration Project Unloading Her at Padden Creek Marine / Old Uniflite Site “Where all the PBR’s Were Built” Thank You Padden Creek Marine Bellingham , Washington Bob Moorse past Prod. Mgr. on PBR’s Bob Vic Duppenthaler past Proj. Mgr. on PBR’s Pres. of Padden Creek Marine Best of Friends Jerry Popovice Navy PBR Bob Brower Army PBR Todd Warger Historian

7. Army PBR Restoration Project Vic Duppenthaler Owner of Padden Creek Marine Some of the Navy and Army Friends of the last Army PBR J-7844 Andy Ross MP- Cogido Dock Lives in California “Less we forget” Chris Duppenthaler Is Vic’s son. 458th PBR’s Table Art Notdtvedt - Ralph Christopher Designer / Builder Writer Of all the PBR’s Diane & Bob Brower She has been with me all the way