USS Fentress (AK-180)

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Career (USA) Union Navy Jack
Name: Fentress
Namesake: A county in Tennessee
Ordered: as type (C1-M-AV1) hull
Builder: Kaiser Cargo Inc., Richmond, California
Laid down: date unknown
Launched: 10 March 1945
Sponsored by: Mrs. G. M. Ellis
Commissioned: 4 May 1945 as USS Fentress (AK-180)
Decommissioned: 20 February 1946
In service: 1 July 1950 as USNS Fentress (T-AK-180)
Out of service: date unknown
Struck: 15 October 1973
Fate: transferred to Navy of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, fate unknown.
General characteristics
Type: Alamosa-class cargo ship
Tonnage: 2,382 tons
Tons burthen: 7,435 tons
Length: 388' 8"
Beam: 50'
Draft: 21' 1"
Propulsion: Diesel, single screw, 1,700shp
Speed: 11.5 knots
Complement: 85 officers and enlisted
Armament: one 3"/50 dual purpose gun mount; six 20mm guns

USS Fentress (AK-180) – later known as USNS Fentress (T-AK-180) -- was an Alamosa-class cargo ship acquired by the U.S. Navy during the final months of World War II. In 1950, she was reactivated and placed into service with the Military Sea Transportation Service as USNS Fentress. She was ultimately transferred to the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.

Built in Richmond, California

Fentress (AK-180) was launched on 10 March 1945 by Kaiser Cargo, Inc., Richmond, California; sponsored by Mrs. G. M. Ellis; and commissioned 4 May 1945, Lieutenant G. T. Malley, USNR, in command.

World War II-related service

After shakedown and availability, Fentress engaged in local operations until 27 June 1945 when she departed San Francisco, California, to transport cargo among the Philippine Islands. On 20 February 1946 she was placed out of commission and returned to the U.S. Maritime Commission.

Service with the MSTS

After the organization of the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS), Fentress was reacquired on 1 July 1950 for service under MSTS cognizance and continued in that capacity until decommissioned at an unknown date.

Struck and disposed of

Fentress was struck from the Navy list on 15 October 1973 and transferred to the Government of the Trust Territory in the Pacific Ocean.

This ship was apparently still docked on the Hawaiian Islands in 1982, as it was seen on The Magnum P.I. episode, "I do".

Her ultimate fate is not known.

References