USS Lexington; How a Navy Ship saved Tacoma

About this event

The Summer of 1929 was exceptionally dry and the Fall was not better, significantly draining Tacoma’s electricity. The shortage became so critical that Superintendent Ira S. Davisson had to cut power to homes and businesses. In December 1929, there were several discussions between the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce and lumber mill operators to shift their employees to night shifts. City of Tacoma leaders pleaded with President Herbert Hoover for much needed help. President Hoover handed off this request to the United States Navy and on December 17, 1929 the USS Lexington arrived in Tacoma. Hear how the carrier’s four steam turbine propulsion generators create 35,200 kilowatts each, saving the city and her residents.