Gopher State-class crane ship

SS Gopher State
Class overview
Name:	Gopher State class
Builders:	Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine
Operators:	United States Navy
Built:	1967–1972
In commission:	1986–present
Completed:	3
Active:	3
General characteristics
Type:	Crane ship
Displacement:	13,500 long tons (13,717 t) light
Length:	668 ft 7 in (203.78 m)
Beam:	76 ft 1 in (23.19 m)
Draft:	33 ft 6 in (10.21 m)
Propulsion:	2 boilers 2 steam turbines 1 shaft 17,500 shp (13,050 kW)
Speed:	17 knots (31 km/h; 20 mph)
Capacity:	300+ containers Four 30 ton cranes
Complement:	9 civilians in Reduced Operating Status 32 civilians in Full Operating Status

The Gopher State-class crane ships of the United States Navy are a class of auxiliary vessels. The lead ship of the class is named in honor of the state of Minnesota.

History

All three vessels of the class were former Sea Witch-class container ships built at the Bath Iron Works for American Export-Isbrandtsen Lines. AEIL was acquired by Farrell Lines in 1978 and the ships were later returned to the Maritime Administration (MARAD) at an unknown date. They were converted for naval service as crane ships in 1986-1987.

Ships in class

• SS Gopher State (T-ACS-4) was converted from the Export Leader, Bath Hull No. 358, IMO 7226689
• SS Flickertail State (T-ACS-5) was converted from the CV Lightning, Bath Hull No. 355, IMO 6817845
• SS Cornhusker State (T-ACS-6) was converted from the CV Stag Hound, Bath Hull No. 356, IMO 6916433

External links

• Shipbuilding History page with information on Bath Iron Works hulls
• NavSource Gopher State (T-ACS-4)
• NavSource Flickertail State (T-ACS-5)
• NavSource Cornhusker State (T-ACS-6)