The name, PTF, is a Navy acronym for Patrol, Torpedo, Fast.
This photo shows some of the boat base. It was shot sometime in 1968 or the first half of 1969. Click on the image to see an enlarged shot. I've included a larger, higher resolution image to show more detail. In that image you can clearly see 2 Ospreys and I can pick out the bridge of another in the background. (256k)
Notice our "floating
dry dock" to the left of the picture. PTF's seemed vulnerable
to propeller and propeller shaft damage and imbalance. Vibration can
be a major problem on a boat this fast!
I think the PTF's may look
even more intimidating at slow speeds!
40 mm cannon. It is directly over the
engine control room. When it fired it sounded like it was going to
rip the deck apart.
Control room. Not shown is the chair
bolted to the deck, and featuring a seat belt!
This Osprey was photographed in San Diego.
PCF "Swift"
This highly accurate model
of a PTF was carved by a very skilled Vietnamese hired on at the base as a
carpenter. The model is constructed of Honduran mahogany, the wood
used in the full sized craft.
This ID plate was found in a
file cabinet in the engineering office. Since there were no Ospreys
in country at the time I decided to take it back to Coronado to reunite it with it's
boat. Somehow it ended up with me.
Detail drawing of the Napier Deltic engine,
The "Napier Deltic"
Engine
(2 per boat)
18 cylinder, 36 piston, turbocharged diesel engine.
3,100 bhp @ 2,100 rpm
Weight (wet, inc. gearbox, phasing gear and turbo): 19,500 Lbs
