This is a “whirly crane”, a special type of rail mounted crane that can rotate 360 degrees. It was an integral part in the World War II shipbuilding industry here in Richmond, California. In the bottom left, you can see the SS Red Oak Victory, a Victory Class cargo ship built right here in Richmond, one of 738 built here during the war years. These are both part of Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historic Park.