SS Cape May (T-AKR-5063)

SS Cape May (T-AKR-5063) is a steam turbine powered heavy-lift Seabee barge carrier, one of two ships of her type in the Military Sealift Command's Ready Reserve Force.

History
United States
NameSS Almeria Lykes
OwnerUnited States Maritime Administration
BuilderGeneral Dynamics Quincy Shipbuilding Division, Quincy, Massachusetts
Laid down31 October 1971
Launched27 February 1972
Acquired26 September 1972
CommissionedPurchased on 25 July 1986, by United States Maritime Administration
RenamedSS Cape May
Identification
Statuslaid up in a layberth at Naval Station Norfolk, VA. in FOS-5 status
General characteristics
Class and typeHeavy Lift Barge Carrier
Displacement18,900 tons empty, 55,660 full
Length876 ft
Beam106 ft
Draft40 ft
Propulsiontwo steam turbines, two shafts
Speed16.2 kts.
Rangenot disclosed
Capacity24 barges, 19 CAFS
Complement34 when operational, 9 while in reserve
Time to activate5 days
Armamentnone
Aviation facilitiesCapable of landing a helicopter but not basing one

She was originally built as the Maritime Administration type (C8-S-82a) hull SS Almeria Lykes, ON 536671, IMO 7205958, under MARAD contract (MA 241), for commercial use with the Lykes Brothers Steamship Company. She was laid down on 31 October 1971, at the General Dynamics Quincy Shipbuilding Division, MA, hull no. 18, launched on 27 February 1972, and delivered for service on 26 September 1972. The ship was turned over to MARAD 25 July 1986, and assigned to MSC's RRF as SS Cape May (AKR-5063)

Cape May is used in various tasks for the US military in heavy transport of goods in various theaters of action. She is currently in ready reserve status ready to be called upon for any large cargo work needed.

See also

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