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 was 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 to the 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-Foreign Steamship Co and renamed SS American Hawk. During the Vietnam war, the SS American Hawk was limpit 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