USAT Sea Barb
From Our Contribution
 At anchor when known as SS F.J. Luckenbach | |
 | |
| History | |
|---|---|
| Name | USAT Sea Barb |
| Owner | War Shipping Administration |
| Builder | Western Pipe and Steel Co., South San Francisco |
| Launched | 1943 |
| Completed | 6 Aug 1943 |
| In service | 1943 |
| Out of service | 1971 |
| Fate | Scrapped 7 Oct 1971 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | C3-S-A2 Class Liberty Ship |
| Tonnage | 8,266 tons |
| Length | 492 ft |
| Beam | 69 ft 6 in |
| Depth | 28 ft 6 in |
| Propulsion | single screw |
| Speed | 18.5 knots |
| Capacity | 2,811 troops |
Contents
Remarks
The USAT Sea Barb was originally built for a bare bottom charter but allocated to the US Army who had her converted to a troopship in December. Used by the US Army Troop Transport to transport men, equipment and supplies during World War II. The standard C3-S-A2 design was a 465-foot ship, of which 162 were built, in five variants. In addition, 75 ships were built to other designs in this size group. USAT Sea Barb was allocated tothe Asia-Pacific Theatre. Laid up in 1946 at Suisun Bay, California.
Sold to the Luckenbach Steamship Co. on 1 Mar 1949, it was renamed F. J. Luckenbach, and remained with that company until 1 Nov 1960 when she was again sold, this time to Pope & Talbot Inc. who renamed her SS P & T Seafarer. Sold on 13 Nov 1963 to the American-Foreigh Steamship Co and renamed SS American Hawk. During the Vietnam war, the SS American Hawk was limoit mined at Qui Nhon and beached. She was sold for scrapping on 7 Oct 1971 to Leung Yau Ship-breaking Co, of Hong Kong.
Soldiers carried
Cairns to Morotai, NEI 16 - 28 Mar 1945
Cairns to Morotai 12 - 21 Apr 1945
Brisbane to Morotai via Townsville 10 - 26 May 1945
Troops boarded in Townsville on 15 May 1945