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     In 1941 and 1942 the following contracts were awarded to the several contractors for wood sub-chasers:
 

Contract  
Date Awarded

Contractor
 

Number
  
Quantity		  
  NOs-80810     1-14-41 Westergard Rice Bros. & Co.            Rockport, Texas SC497-498      2
  NOs-83464     4- 1-41 Westergard Rice Bros. & Co.
           Rockport, Texas 		SC530-531      2
  NOs-91949     9-18-41 Westergard Rice Bros. & Co.
           Rockport, Texas 		SC654-655      2
  NOs-80810     1-14-41      Seabrook Yacht Corp.,
           Seabrook, Texas 		SC501-502      2
  NObs-548     2-14-42      Seabrook Yacht Corp.,
           Seabrook, Texas 		SC768-771      4
  NOs-91955
     9-18-41        Weaver Shipyards,
           Orange, Texas		 SC666-667      2
  NObs-555     2-14-42      Rice Bros. & Company
           Rockport, Texas 		SC1039-1046      8
  NObs-307     8- 7-42      Rice Bros. & Company
           Rockport, Texas 		SC1341-1346      6
  NObs-113     3-13-42         Gulf Marine Ways,
          Galveston, Texas 		SC1057-1058      2
NObs-1074     5-24-43     Rice Bros. & Company
           Rockport, Texas 		SC1480-1483      4

     The design of these sub-chasers provided for installation of pancake engines. With the awarding of contracts, the contractors immediately proceeded to procure the necessary materials and start construction. However, the vessels were launched in order to clear the ways as engines were delayed. This delay became progressive until in the early part of 1942 when the Bureau of Ships decided to use a standard General Motors engine. The need for these vessels was so critical in submarine warfare that every effort was made on the part of both the Navy and contractors to expedite delivery.

     Necessary machinery changes brought about by having to change the main propulsion units resulted in much of the delay which was in no way chargeable to the contractors. The decision was made to place General Motors standard engines on those vessels early enough to prevent a great deal of delay resulting from the structural changes on the later vessels.

     Very early, the shortage of lumber became apparent. It took the best efforts of both the contractors and the Navy to develop not only a source of supply, but to get deliveries of essential timbers to construct these vessels. The Supervisor would like to say, in connection with the performance of the contractors for these vessels, that a maximum of cooperation was involved.
 
     Regarding contract NObs-1074, these were the only sub-chasers built
 

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