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NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive

SS American Kestrel (AK-9651)


Lighter Aboard Ship (LASH) Barge Carrier:
  • Laid down circa 1969, as SS LASH Pacifico a Maritime Administration type (C8-S-81b) hull under Maritime Administration contract (MA 237) at Avondale Industries Corp., New Orleans, LA.
  • Launched, circa 1970
  • Delivered to the Maritime Administration in 1973, for operation by Prudential Grace Line
  • Reacquired by the Maritime Administration for assignment to the Ready Reserve Fleet (RRF) circa 1987
  • Renamed SS American Kestrel (AK-9651) in 1988
  • Assigned to COMPSRON 2 at Diego Garcia
  • SS American Kestrel (AK-9651) was one of the Military Sealift Command's four LASH Ready Reserve Force Ships
  • Removed from MSC control, withdrawn from the RRF, date unknown
  • Final Disposition, scrapped in 1995
    Specifications:
    Displacement 14,790 t.(lt) 44,610 t.(fl)
    Length 893'
    Beam 100'
    Draft 38' (max.)
    Speed 18.7 kts.
    Cargo Capacity assigned 77 barges
    Full Operating Status Complement 31 Civilian Mariners
    Propulsion steam turbine, single propeller

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    American Kestrel 206k SS American Kestrel (AK-9651) at anchor at Diego Garcia in 1992 Robert Guttman

    There is no DANFS history available for SS American Kestrel (AK-9651) at NavSource
    Crew Contact And Reunion Information
    Not Applicable to this vessel
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    This page is created and maintained by Gary P. Priolo
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    Last Updated 13 August 2010