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Esso Cumberland - (1946-1956)
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Suamico Class Fleet Oiler:
Laid down, June 1944, (date and place unknown) as Maritime Administration type (T-2-SE-A1) tanker hull under a Maritime
Commission contract;
Delivered to the Maritime Commission, (date unknown);
Acquired by the US Navy from the Maritime Administration, (date unknown);
Assigned to MSC and placed In-service as USNS Cumberland (T-AO 153), (date unknown);
Returned to MARAD, (date unknown);
Struck from the Naval Register, (date unknown);
Final Disposition, fate unknown.
Specifications:
Displacement 5,782 t.(lt) 21,880 t.(fl);
Length 523' 6";
Beam 68';
Draft 30';
Speed 15.5kts;
Complement 251;
Armament, none;
Capacity 140,000 barrels;
Propulsion, turbo-electric, single screw. 8,000hp.
The first "Esso Cristobal" was build in 1944 ,by Newport News SB & DD Co., Newport News, as "Fort Cumberland".
Sold in 46 as "Esso Cumberland" to Esso Shipping Co.
Sold in 1956 and renamed as "Cumberland" and lenghtened in 1962.
February 1972: sold to Kaohsiung shipbreakers.
Later Names: 1946 Esso Cumberland, 1956 Cumberland.
History and notes:
Acquired by the US Navy in 1956 and assigned to the Military Sealift Command as USNS Cumberland (T-AO 153).
Returned to MARAD in 1957 and laid up. Transferred to US Army in 1966 and converted by Newport News SB & DD Co. to a
floating electric power supply ship for use in Vietnam. Vessel anchored in harbor at Qui Nhon, where her main machinery
generated electricity which was transmitted ashore to sub-stations via power cables. Later based at Cam Rahn Bay.
February 1972: sold to Kaohsiung shipbreakers.