070B - Ship Shape: PT Boats

LENGTH: 81 Feet, 0 Inches

BEAM: 21 Feet, 0 Inches

CREW: 2 Officers, 9 Enlisted Men

MAXIMUM SPEED: 45 Knots

ARMAMENT:

2x12.7mm Twin Machine Guns

1x 20mm Oerlikon Machine Gun

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As its name suggests, PT boats (short for Patrol Torpedo boats) serve as speedy patrol boat armed with a salvo of torpedoes for offensive maneuvers in shallow waters.

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Most often, the PT boat was used near coastlines and in the surrounding shallow waters, searching for any enemy troop transports, freighters, and tankers. PT Boats could easily destroy any of these threats with their unusually large 2,400 pound torpedoes. These torpedoes, launched from the 21-foot torpedo tubes mounted on the PT boat’s deck.

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Additionally, most PT boats were well equipped for aircraft or land-based attacks, with their two 12.7mm machine guns, which provided ample firepower against planes or light coastal gun emplacements. Additionally, the 20mm Oerlickon Gun had the ability to deal sufficient blows to larger coastal artillery, destroyers, and light cruisers.

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When the PT Boats were not involved in battle actions, their quickness and maneuverability made them perfect for other night operations, such as moving Coastwatchers and other troops behind enemy lines. The PT Boat was a most highly valued piece in areas with high numbers of small islands, such as the Dutch East Indies, Malaya, and the Philippines.

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