SS Bellatrix (AKR-288) & SS Altair (AKR-291)

USA / Louisiana / Marrero /
 military, ship, cargo transportation, United States Navy
SS Bellatrix & SS Altair are two of the eight Algol Class Fast Sealift Ships operated by the US Maritime Administration (MARAD). Built for the commercial trades with SeaLand Container lines in the 1970's, these converted containerships are some of the fastest cargo ships in the world, and have the capability to transport up to 700 military vehicles and personnel at speeds up to 33 knots.

Maintained in a ROS-5 status at their Marrero Layberth for activation in 5 days or less, the two ships report to the Military Sealift Command's Atlantic Sealift Force upon their activation.

SS Bellatrix (AKR-288)
www.marad.dot.gov/sh/ShipHistory/Detail/6444
www.navsource.org/archives/09/54/540288.htm
www.nvr.navy.mil/nvrships/details/AKR288.htm
SS Altair (AKR 291)
www.marad.dot.gov/sh/ShipHistory/Detail/6442
www.navsource.org/archives/09/54/540291.htm
www.nvr.navy.mil/nvrships/details/AKR291.htm
Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algol_class_vehicle_cargo_ship
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   29°54'31"N   90°5'45"W
This article was last modified 9 years ago