USNS Pvt. Frank J. Petrarca (T-AK-250)

USNS "Pvt. Frank J. Petrarca" (T-AK-250) 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 "Pvt. Frank J. Petrarca" who kept her in service until transferred to the U.S. Navy in 1950.

Built in Long Beach, California

"Private Frank J. Petrarca" was laid down as "Long Splice" (MC hull 2329) by the Consolidated Steel Corporation, Ltd., Long Beach, California, 18 April 1945; launched 8 July 1945; sponsored by Mrs. Eloi J. Amar; and delivered to the U.S. Maritime Commission, thence to Lykes Brothers, 20 September 1945. As "Long Splice", the cargo ship was operated by Lykes Brothers under General Agency Agreement until returned to the U.S. Maritime Commission and transferred to the War Department, 29 August 1946.

U.S. Army service

Renamed "Private Frank J. Petrarca", 31 October 1947, she operated with the Army Transportation Service until again transferred, to the Navy, 1 July 1950.

U.S. Navy service

Placed in service, with the designation "T–AK–250" on 6 July 1950, she was assigned to the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) and served the Mid-Pacific Ocean area until 1959. Between 9 April 1959 and 4 July 1960, the AK was laid up at Suisun Bay, California, as a unit of the Maritime Administration’s National Defense Reserve Fleet.

Reacquired by the Navy on the latter date, she was again assigned to MSTS, under which she resumed cargo carrying duties between Pacific Ocean ports. In 1962, she participated in a cost and feasibility study of year round ocean service in Alaskan waters.

Antarctic service

Four years later, she delivered supplies to McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, to support Deep Freeze ‘66. In accomplishing that mission she became the first cargo ship to be so employed without benefit of an ice-strengthened hull. Since that time, into 1970, "Private Frank J. Petrarca" continued to carry vital supplies and equipment, particularly to southeast Asia, for MSTS, Pacific.

Final inactivation

She was struck from the Navy list on 15 October 1973 and subsequently sold on 1 December 1977, her ultimate fate unknown.

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/09/13/130250.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - T-AK-250 Pvt. Frank J. Petrarca]