“RETURN OF THE ZIPPER FLEET” 1951 U.S. NAVY MOTHBALL FLEET RE-ACTIVATION FILM KOREAN WAR 83214

This screen report, "Return of the Zipper Fleet", was produced by the U. S. Armed Forces in 1951. This episode is issue No. 137 of the Army’s screen report series. The episode covers the reactivation of ships in the reserve fleet for use in the Korean War. It shows how WWII era vessels were preserved, maintained, and how they were once again activated for service during the Korean crisis.

Credits (00:08). “Return of The Zipper Fleet” title banner (00:31). Footage of vessels part of the U. S. Army’s reserve fleet, often called the ‘Mothball Fleet’ (00:41). USS Competent (AM-316) minesweeper (00:46). Equipment and artillery on the ships covered in plastic (00:54). War vessels sailing and firing their weapons (01:10). Ships sailing and firing on the beaches of Normandy (01:23). Cheerleaders and an orchestra performing in the docks to celebrate the returning victorious soldiers (01:49). A USS Mansfield Destroyer ship (01:55). The soldiers are reunited with their families (02:03). Footage of the vessels of the reserve fleet (02:06). A USS New Jersey (BB-16) ship exploding (02:17) and sinking (02:24). Soldiers walking from ship to ship (02:27). Footage of the vessels of the reserve fleet (02:35). USS Flier (SS-250) submarine docking (02:43). Ships are maintained in readiness (02:54). Equipment on deck of ships is covered in plastic sheaths (03:07). Mothballs, a moisture absorbing disk made from silica gel, is places around ships (03:25). Views of dehumidifier machines below deck (03:34). Surfaces are sealed for maintenance (02:41). Views of the fleet’s destroyers (03:57), submarines (04:04), and aircraft carrier ships (04:06). Workers inspect the mothballs and plastic sheathing (04:23). A newspaper with the headline “War is Declared by North Koreans” (04:41). Warships sailing (04:46). USS California battleship firing (04:52). Soldiers invading Korea (04:58). A soldier driving a Willys M38 Jeep (05:02). Soldiers shooting a M1919 Browning machine gun (05:14). A Vought F4U Corsair fighter jet (05:17). Supplies being transported by ship (05:22). Battleships firing (05:30). Ships docked in the reserve fleet (05:34). The fleets’ dock crew prepare the ships for use (05:44). Sealed hatches are opened (05:57). Dehumidifying machines are turned off (06:09). The main switchboard is turned on (06:14). Ventilation systems are turned on (06:20). Mattresses are prepared for the ship’s staff (06:22). Food is prepared in the galley (06:32). Supplies are brought aboard (06:38). Staff keep records of the ship’s operations (07:03). A staff is treated at the sickbay (07:17). The ship’s post office (07:19). The ship is prepared for operations and plastic sheaths are removed (07:23). Preservative paint is washed off (07:54). A diver is lowered to check the condition of the propeller and shaft (08:04). Engines below deck are inspected (08:10). Ship parts are reattached (08:26). A repair is made (08:30). Equipment is installed in the radio room (08:34). A recommissioning ceremony (08:54). A Navy orchestra playing (09:09). Artillery is loaded aboard (09:43). Engines are prepared for operations (10:02). The ship starts sailing (10:27). Staff ensure the functioning of the radar, magnetic compass, rangefinder, the guns, etc. (10:43). The battle starts off the Korean coast (11:08). Troops arriving on land (11:29). Footage of the reserved fleet (11:52). A USS Shark submarine (11:59). A USS Kidd (DD-661) fletcher class destroyer ship (12:04). An aircraft carrier ship (12:10). Views of the vessels in the reserve fleet (12:12). A USS Coral Sea carrier ship (12:36). Fighter jets taking off including a Vought F4U Corsair fighter jet (12:50). Flying planes firing (13:05). Battleships firing (13:11). Credits (13:35).

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