At Close Quarters

The destiny of the United States has been inextricably interwoven with the sea. This was never more true than in World War II, which involved all seas and most of mankind. To fight the sea war, many types of ships, large and small, from aircraft carriers and battleships to PT boats, were needed. Small though they were, the PT boats played a key role. Like most naval ships, they could carry out numerous tasks with dispatch and versatility. In narrow waters or in fighting close to land they could deliver a powerful punch with torpedo or gun. On occasion, they could lay mines or drop depth charges. They could speed through reefs and shark infested waters to rescue downed pilots or secretly close the shore to make contacts with coast watchers and guerrilla forces. PT boats were an embodiment of John Paul Jones' words: 'I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast for I intend to go in harm's way.' Naval strength must function from shore to shore and on inland waters where the mobility and flexibility provided by ships can be employed to support land operations. PT boats filled an important need in World War II in shallow waters, complementing the achievements of greater ships in greater seas. This need for small, fast, versatile, strongly armed vessels does not wane. In fact it may increase in troubled times when operations requiring just these capabilities are the most likely to be confronted.