MV Buffalo Soldier (T-AK-9301)

MV "Buffalo Soldier" (T-AK-9301) is a United States Navy Military Sealift Command Maritime Prepositioning ship. MV "Buffalo Soldier" is named in honor of the first peacetime African-American regiments which were formed following the American Civil War.

She is a reflagged French Government Line roll-on/roll-off ship stationed at Diego Garcia, owned by RR and VO Partnership and operated by Red River Shipping. She is loaded with U.S. Air Force cargo.

"Buffalo Soldier" is self-sustaining, meaning she can unload herself, which is an asset in harbors with little or no infrastructure. Her 120 long ton capacity roll-on/roll-off ramp will accommodate tracked and wheeled vehicles of every description.

General characteristics

* Builder: Chantiers Navigation de la Ciotat
* Power Plant: 2 SEMT-Pielstick 18 PC2.5 V diesels; 23,400 hp (17 MW); 1 shaft; bow thruster
* Length: 670 ft (204 m)
* Beam: 87 ft (26.5 m)
* Displacement: 40,357 tons (41,005 t) full load
* Speed: 16 knots (30 km/h)
* Crew: 19 civilians