SS Altair
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For other ships with the same name, see USS Altair.
SS Altair (T-AKR 291) is an Algol class vehicle cargo ship that is currently maintained by the United States Maritime Administration as part of the Military Sealift Command's Ready Reserve Force (RRF). She was built as a high speed container ship by Rheinstahl Nordseewerke in Emden, West Germany, hull no. 431, for Sea-Land Service, Inc. and named SS Sea-Land Finance, USCG ON 550722, IMO 7315571.[1][2] Due to her high operating cost, she was sold to the United States Navy on 5 January 1982 as USNS Altair (T-AK-291).[3]
Quick Facts History, United States ...
USNS Altair (T-AKR-291) loading ground support equipment onto a floating causeway during Exercise Gallant Eagle 86. | |
History | |
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Namesake | Altair |
Operator | ![]() |
Builder | Rheinstahl Nordseewerke |
Launched | 1 April 1973 |
Acquired | 5 January 1982 |
Identification |
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Honors and awards | |
Status | Ready Reserve |
General characteristics | |
Class and type | Algol class vehicle cargo ship |
Displacement | 55,355 tons (full) |
Length | 946 ft 2 in (288 m) |
Beam | 105 ft 6 in (32 m) |
Draft | 36 ft 4 in (11 m) |
Propulsion |
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Speed | 33 knots |
Capacity | 700+ military vehicles (including trucks, tanks, and helicopters) |
Complement | 43 civilians, 12 military technicians (fully operational), 18 civilians (reduced operating status) |
Armament | None |
Aviation facilities | Landing pad |
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In keeping with the pattern of the naming the Algol-class ships after bright stars, the Altair was named after Altair, the brightest star in the constellation Aquila and the twelfth brightest star in the night sky.