Biography of a Liberty Ship. Birth of a ship. Less than five months from keel laying to launching ceremony was the record set by the Patrick Henry. This time is being reduced to 60 days in the construction of her sister ships of the "Liberty Ship" design. This standard design was selected by the Martime Commission to meet the need for ships that can be built in existing yards in minimum time with the additional purpose of conserving materials vitally needed for the war production effort. Prefabrication of sections in special plants, replacing of riveting wherever possible by welding and other new departures all contribute to the speed of construction and saving of material and dead weight in these ships which are already proving their worth in the war on the Axis