Could moving a WWII-era icon bolster visits to this East Bay city?

"The Red Oak Victory, staged in a basin in Richmond's port, is one of the last known surviving ships built in the city during World War II. The floating museum is one of many sites from the era that honors Richmond's contribution to the war effort. Officials now hope to drive more visitors to the ship and some of its other sites by relocating the Red Oak Victory to an area they believe would have more synergy with other war era sites and public transportation."

"This relocation would place the SS Red Oak Victory in a more publicly accessible location, close to both the ferry terminal and the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park Visitor Center, staff said in a report to the City Council. Relocating the ship would also free up the basin where it's currently located for other commercial maritime uses that could generate revenue for the port, staff said."

The Red Oak Victory is one of the last surviving ships built in Richmond during World War II and currently serves as a floating museum staged in a port basin. Officials propose relocating the ship near the ferry terminal and the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park Visitor Center to increase visitorship and create synergy with nearby war-era sites and transit. Relocating the ship would free the current basin for commercial maritime uses that could generate revenue and support Richmond’s port revitalization and broader economic growth. Some officials oppose the plan, and a former mayor called it a political football tied to off-shore wind interests.

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