This is LSV-1; General Frank S. Besson, Jr. built in 1988
| Vern's June 2006 issue of
Proceedings displayed that two new LSV's will be accepted by the
Army - LSV-7 and LSV-8. Measuring 314 feet in length overall,
displacing 5,412 tons, and able to carry 2,000 tons of cargo, they will
be capable of deploying for up to 225 days with a range of 5,500
nautical miles. Mission requirements called for the ability to self-deploy and perform landinging-craft operations. These vessels should be able to depart the continental United States and proceed to any theater of operations in the world, working in climates ranging from - 25° to 105° F. The vessels carry 200,000 gallons of diesel fuel and 100,000 gallons of portable water (able to make 3,200 gallons of water per day). food and consumable storage can support a crew of 32. Bow and stern ramps allow deployment and recovery of rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) while underway. At a draft of 12 feet, and no trim, the 24-foot stern ramp can be lowered to the water's edge, putting the ramp depression angle at 16°. Trimming down by the stern will submerge the lower end of the ramp and bring the angle closer to 10°, facilitating boat launch and retrieval, in such a configuration a SEAL team could easily operate. Since 2000, the U.S. has the resurgence of a brown-water Navy, and the impetus to build an expanded special operations community. This vessel is able to operate in coastal rivers, harbors, and bays as well as the open ocean. Using many special weapons, it can protect it self in full 360° around and 15° down.  COURTESY
MASTER SGT. VAL MINOR
The Army's newest logistics support vessel, the Robert T. Kuroda, was launched in May at Pascagoula, Miss from Honolulu Star-Bulletin See U.S. Army Vessels and Logistics Support Vessel - LSV
These night be much better than the APB-35 Sparkman served on. Go To Vern's Tanker Page |