By Kathy Chouteau
The historic SS Red Oak Victory ship recently received a major boost to its ongoing restoration efforts with the donation of a Caterpillar TL1055C Telehandler from longtime supporter Gary Ghilotti.
Ghilotti, president and owner of Maggiora & Ghilotti Inc., engineering contractors based in Marin County, donated the multipurpose crane to the World War II–era Victory ship, according to its Director of Marketing Fred Klink. The equipment, valued at approximately $80,000, was delivered March 31, and is expected to play a crucial role in future renovation and maintenance projects aboard the vessel berthed along the Richmond waterfront.
“This equipment is essentially a multipurpose crane that has forklift capability, a hook for other cargo, and a manlift,” according to Klink. “With the 55-foot extension on this device, we can reach parts of the ship which have been inaccessible to us without renting equipment.”
The Caterpillar TL1055C can extend its crane arm up to 55 feet, with the option of reaching an additional 15 feet when equipped with a jib on a flexible mount. The machine will allow volunteers to remove and install ship components, lift materials, and safely raise workers for painting and other maintenance tasks at elevated points on the ship.
Klink underscored that the telehandler will significantly reduce the need for costly equipment rentals and expand the scope of restoration work that can be completed by trained volunteers. “With this we can do restoration, repairs, and painting on areas of the ship that are in need of attention.”
Ghilotti even went as far as to provide training and operational guidance to volunteers who will use the equipment, continuing his long history of support for the ship. In 2020, he helped make it possible to transport and mount the vessel’s 5-inch gun and more recently contributed generously to the Victory Ship Revival project last summer.
“We cannot express enough gratitude to Gary for his ongoing support of the Red Oak Victory restoration projects,” said Klink.
Visit the Red Oak Victory at 1337 Canal Blvd., Berth 5, in Richmond, CA. To donate to the restoration efforts, click here.
