SS Cape Ann (AK-5009)

USA / Virginia / Rushmere /
 military, ship, cargo, United States Navy
Laid down in 1961 as the SS African Mercury and operating in the commercial trades for Farrell Lines through 1980, the Cape Ann began her US Government Service in 1981 after she was returned to MARAD for a newbuild. Assigned to the Cape A Class of Breakbulk Cargo Ships, she was renamed and given the hull designation AK-5009.

Forming part of the Military Sealift Command's Modular Cargo Delivery System Ready Reserve Force (RRF) Ships, the Cape Ann was activated for duty as part of the sealift for the First Gulf War and made several round trips to the Persian Gulf before she was again deactivated and placed into reserve. Downgraded from the Ready Reserve Fleet in 2002 the Cape Ann has been placed into Category D Reserve in the James River Reserve Fleet where she remains today.

www.marad.dot.gov/sh/ShipHistory/Detail/682
www.navsource.org/archives/09/13/135009.htm
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   37°6'56"N   76°38'55"W

Comments

  • The African Mercury can be seen in the film "The French Connection" in a scene shot in New York area.
This article was last modified 8 years ago