On the Swing Shift: Building Liberty Ships in Savannah by Tony Cope is a social history book about the Southeastern Shipbuilding Corporation in Savannah, Georgia, during World War II, focusing on the 45,000 diverse workers who built 88 Liberty ships, a crucial part of the war effort. The book details the experiences of these ordinary people—including women and African Americans—who came from rural areas with no shipbuilding experience to become a vital part of the war machine, highlighting their contributions and the forgotten history of the shipyard. 

Key aspects of the book:

Focus: The book tells the story of the shipyard workers, not just the ships themselves, capturing the human element of the massive industrial effort. 

Workers: It covers a wide range of people, from teenagers to the elderly, and women entering construction roles, as well as African Americans who faced segregation in the industry. 

Historical Significance: It documents how Savannah became a major shipbuilding center and the vital role the Liberty ships played in winning the Battle of the Atlantic. 

Author: Tony Cope, a Savannah native, wrote the book to ensure the story of these workers was not forgotten. 

Publication: Published by the Naval Institute Press, it is available in hardcover and paperback formats.