USNS Col. William J. O’Brien (T-AK-246)

USNS "Col. William J. O’Brien" (T-AK-246) was an "Alamosa"-class cargo ship that was constructed for the U.S. Navy during the closing period of World War II. However, the war ended, and she was transferred to the U.S. Army as USAT "Col. William J. O’Brien" who kept her in service until transferred to the U.S. Navy in 1950.

Built in Long Beach, California

The ship was laid down as "MV Maiden's Eye" on 17 January 1945 and launched on 13 February 1945 at Consolidated Steel Corporation, Long Beach, California, as a type (C1-M-AV1) under U.S. Maritime Commission contract (MC hull 2323). She was acquired by the U.S. War Shipping Administration (WSA) on 10 April 1945.

U.S. Army service

She was assigned to the U.S. Army which commissioned her on (date unknown) as USAT "Col. William J. O'Brien". She was retained by the U.S. Army until she was transferred to the U.S. Navy 1 March 1950.

U.S. Navy service

"Col. William J. O’Brien" (AK-246) was acquired from the U.S. Army on 1 March 1950 and immediately transferred to the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) as USNS "Col. William J. O’Brien" (T-AK-246) for permanent assignment.

She continued to serve the U.S. Navy until she was placed out of service in the 1960s.

Final inactivation

She was stricken from the Navy List on 1 September 1973 and laid up until she was sold on 1 October 1973 and subsequently scrapped.

Honors and awards

Qualified vessel personnel were authorized the following::* National Defense Service Medal

ee also

* United States Navy
* World War II

References

*
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/13/130246.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - T-AK-246 Col. William J. O'Brien]