Maritime Preservation & Training Foundation, Ltd.

08/26/2026

BAYOU LA BATRE, AL Some colorful finishing touches on PTF-26, courtesy of SWCC veteran David Rawls.

08/20/2026

BAYOU LA BATRE, AL - SWCC veteran and PTF-26’s intrepid shipyard supervisor, David Rawls, shared these images of the astonishing feat performed by him and his team of selfless fellow SWCC veterans aboard PTF-26 at Steiner Shipyard. As PTF-26’s extensive overhaul was drawing to a close, David formed a SWCC veteran “task force” to ensure this singular vessel would leave the yards in “Bristol condition”, with a bow-to-stern application of flat Pirogue Green. Coming from as far away as New Orleans and Pensacola, the SWCC veterans faced withering heat (110F), humidity (98%) and sun-heated aluminum surfaces which may have exceeded 130F. There are no words sufficient to express how impressed we are nor the gratitude we owe these Seagoing Spartans. Even a traditional “Bravo Zulu” seems a bit anemic in this instance. But we’re very much obliged, Shipmates. Vaya Con Dios!

07/30/2026

Big news!

The PTF-26, nicknamed “The Last American PT Boat,” has found a new home. The Henderson City Commission on Tuesday approved a municipal order that will bring the vessel–and its complementary barge–to a spot on the banks of the Ohio River below Sunset Park. In the deal made with Maritime Prese...

07/02/2026

https://the-hendersonian.com/henderson-could-be-the-home-for-the-last-american-pt-boat/

“The Last American PT Boat” could be docking in Henderson soon, with the possibility of the Henderson riverfront serving as her home. City of Henderson officials discussed bringing the PTF-26, currently dry-docked off Mobile Bay to Henderson at the June 23 Henderson City Commission meeting. The ...

06/30/2026

https://www.14news.com/2026/06/25/historic-pt-boat-could-soon-arrive-henderson-riverfront-veterans-park/

Henderson's Veterans Memorial Foundation is developing a riverfront park featuring the PTF-26, the last PT boat ever built.

05/10/2026

Sharing random shots of PTF-26 during its remarkable 58 years of service. Enjoy!

10/07/2025

MPTF’s new name reflects the foundation’s updated mission and purpose.

09/08/2025

BAYOU LA BATRE, AL - Under the watchful eye of SBU-22 veteran David Rawls, PTF-26 has undergone a process involving disassembly, testing, surface decontamination, restoration, repair, etc.
The bottom line is that PTF-26 will emerge from her time at Steiner Shipyard in the best condition she has been in forty years or so. Well done, David and crew.

08/18/2025

YES, PTF-26 NEEDS YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT now more than ever. Many people have told us how excited and inspired they are to see PTF-26 in operation and now undergoing a major overhaul at Steiner Shipyard in Bayou La Batre, AL. We are too. But the fact is that this process isn’t cheap and we have virtually no external sources of income at present. We are reliant on volunteer labor supplied by veterans and naval history buffs and the sacrificial contributions made by a few retired veterans (drawn from pensions and/or retirement savings).
We could finish PTF-26’s rehab with an additional $25,000. We have enough on hand to accomplish the majority of the work on the propellers, shafts, seals and starboard engine retooling (it’s a little complicated). With an infusion of fresh funds between now and Sept. 10 we can also properly remove a dozen years of growth and corrosion, prep and prime the hull and protect the hull in prime fashion with a modern anti-foul protective bottom paint. It’s clear PTF-26 needs it. What is not clear is whether or not we can pay for it before PTF-26 goes back in the water. Wouldn’t you like to be the one who made it possible now, rather than sometime later? Please consider making a generous donation to MPTF today (via the QR if you prefer). Thank you!

08/13/2025

BECAUSE YOU ASKED FOR THEM here are more snapshots from the “Blast Furnace” record heatwave transit of the Tenn-Tom Waterway by CAPT Gary Fischmann and his intrepid crew. Thank goodness (and Professor Bill Coscarelli) for the major upgrade in shipboard AC systems, especially in forward berthing (now known as “the meat locker”). No, the AC doesn’t extend to the engine room but we’d like to make the control room and charthouse (CIC) more tolerable. PTF-26 is currently at Steiner Shipyard in Bayou La Batre, LA and will be “on the hard” through Labor Day at a minimum. She will have work done on shaft seals and propellers, and we hope to get her bottom scraped and anti-fouled before she gets back in the water.