SS Cape Florida (T-AK-5071), SS Cape Flattery (T-AK-5070) & SS Cape Farewell (T-AK-5073)

 military, ship, barge, auxiliary, United States Navy

Here are 3 of 4 members of the US Navy's Cape F Lighter-Aboard-Ship (LASH) vessels, all of which were laid down for commercial service with Delta Lines. Serving with a number of US Flag cargo lines throughout the 1970s & 1980s before they were returned to the Maritime Administration, the members of the Cape F Class now serve as LASH barge carriers for the Seabees, or Naval Construction Battalions.

Maintained by the US Maritime Administration in the Beaumont Reserve Fleet are the Cape Flattery, Cape Florida and Cape Farewell; of which the Cape Flattery and Cape Farewell are maintained in "Military Useful" status, meaning both ships are maintained in a status to permit their use in future military or strategic roles as determined by the US Department of Defense. As of 2017, the Cape Florida has been downgraded to "non-retention" status and is being stripped of reusable materials prior to scrap sale.

SS Cape Flattery (T-AK-5070)
www.marad.dot.gov/sh/ShipHistory/Detail/736
www.navsource.org/archives/09/13/135070.htm

SS Cape Florida (T-AK-5071)
www.marad.dot.gov/sh/ShipHistory/Detail/737
www.navsource.org/archives/09/13/135071.htm

SS Cape Farewell (T-AK-5073)
www.marad.dot.gov/sh/ShipHistory/Detail/732
www.navsource.org/archives/09/13/135073.htm