USNS Short Splice (T-AK-249)

USNS "Short Splice" (T-AK-249) 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 "Short Splice" who kept her in service until transferred to the U.S. Navy in 1950.

Built in Wilmington, California

"Short Splice" (AK-249) was laid down as MC hull 2464 on 15 January 1945 by Consolidated Steel Corporation, Wilmington, California; launched on 3 March 1945; sponsored by Mrs. A. 0. Wiese; and delivered to the United States Steamship Lines on 18 May 1945.

U.S. Army service

She was acquired and operated by the U.S. Army which commissioned her on (date unknown) as USAT "Short Spice". She was retained by the U.S. Army until she was transferred to the U.S. Navy 1 March 1950.

U.S. Navy service

She operated with the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS), carrying cargo for military bases. Until 5 March 1959, she called at almost every European port as well as ports along the Atlantic western coast from Goose Bay, Labrador, to the Panama Canal Zone. She then operated from New Orleans, Louisiana, carrying supplies, ammunition, and vehicles to Panama; Key West, Florida; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Kingston, Jamaica. On 3 November 1966, "Short Splice" moved to the Far East, and a crew of Koreans was assigned to man her. She made supply runs to Vietnam, Korea, Japan, and the Philippine Islands. On 30 March 1973, the Korean crew was replaced by American merchant seamen, but her area of operations did not change.

Final inactivation

On 20 June 1973, while at Sasebo, Japan, she was transferred to the U.S. Maritime Administration for disposal. "Short Splice" was sold to Fuji Marden & Co. Ltd., Hong Kong, British Crown Colony, on 31 July 1973 and 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/09/13/130249.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - USAT Short Splice - USNS Short Splice (T-AK-249)]