Thousands of cars drive past the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center each day, but a vintage World War II PT boat (Patrol Torpedo boat) is something you don’t often see rolling down Convention Center Blvd.
The 73-year old PT-305, nicknamed the U.S.S. Sudden Jerk, was wheeled from the National World War II Museum, past the Convention Center, and down to the Erato Street Wharf. From there, a tug boat pushed the PT-305 to South Shore Harbor near Lake Pontchartrain.
The PT-305, a patrol/torpedo boat, was built in New Orleans at the Higgins Plant and was deployed in World War II. The National World War II Museum acquired the PT-305 a decade ago and spent more than $6 million to restore it.
Beginning in March 2017, the U.S.S. Sudden Jerk will host tours and rides on Lake Pontchartrain.
With 1.1 million square feet of contiguous exhibit space, an award winning staff and first class amenities, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is the sixth largest convention center in the nation, a consistent Top 10 host of the largest number of conventions and tradeshows annually, and one of the city’s “Top Workplaces.” A leading rainmaker of the city’s hospitality industry, MCCNO event activity has produced $50.03 billion in economic impact since its 1985 opening, including $3.12 billion in new tax revenue.
