A flotilla of U.S. Navy PT (motor torpedo) boats lies rafted at anchor in a Pacific harbor during World War II. Built of plywood over a wooden frame and powered by three high-performance gasoline engines, these 78-80 foot craft were prized for their speed and maneuverability, conducting night patrols against Japanese barge traffic, screening landing operations, and occasionally engaging larger enemy warships with torpedoes and machine-gun fire. Photographs like this one, taken informally by servicemen rather than official Navy photographers, offer a rare, personal glimpse of squadron life between combat patrols. Project: 218696