The Historic ROBERT GRAY Survey Vessel in Richmond
historic place
The ROBERT GRAY, a historic hydrographic survey vessel, was completed in 1936. It was originally designed for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to chart the Columbia River and Alaskan waters. Notably, the ROBERT GRAY was the first diesel-electric hybrid ship ever built. During World War II, the vessel was transferred to the Army, renamed Large Tug 666, and deployed to protect the Alaskan territory. Later, it served the U.S. Geological Survey, exploring for oil and minerals from San Francisco Bay north to Alaska. The ROBERT GRAY was located within the Richmond, California inner harbor. It maintains approximately 90% of its historical integrity. In 2022, the ROBERT GRAY was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This vessel represents a significant achievement in early 20th-century marine engineering and its contributions to hydrographic surveying and national defense.