The United States Army isn’t typically known for its naval prowess, yet it maintains a fleet of exceptionally large ships essential for various military and logistical operations. These massive vessels are crucial for transport, deployment, and support missions, operating as the backbone of the Army’s ability to project power worldwide. Let’s delve into some of the biggest ships that serve the US Army.
USNS Bob Hope (T-AKR-300)
The USNS Bob Hope is a visionary ship named after the famous entertainer Bob Hope. This roll-on/roll-off vehicle cargo ship is part of the United States Navy’s Military Sealift Command, but it is primarily used by the Army for transporting heavy vehicles such as tanks and Humvees.
- Length: 950 feet (290 meters)
- Displacement: 62,069 long tons (63,071 metric tons)
- Propulsion: 4 General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, two screw propellers
- Speed: 24 knots (44 km/h; 28 mph)
- Capacity: Over 300,000 square feet of vehicle storage space
USNS Watson (T-AKR-310)
The USNS Watson, part of the Watson-class vehicle cargo ships, serves a similar purpose to the USNS Bob Hope. Named after Army Private George Watson, a Medal of Honor recipient, the ship is equipped to handle rapid deployment and transportation of heavy equipment.
- Length: 950 feet (290 meters)
- Displacement: 62,644 long tons (63,689 metric tons)
- Propulsion: Diesel-electric engine
- Speed: 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph)
- Capacity: 380,000 square feet of cargo area
USNS Red Cloud (T-AKR-313)
The USNS Red Cloud is another significant vessel named after Corporal Mitchell Red Cloud, Jr., a posthumous Medal of Honor recipient. This ship is a premier asset for the Army, providing critical support in deploying and transporting equipment.
- Length: 950 feet (290 meters)
- Displacement: 62,644 long tons (63,689 metric tons)
- Propulsion: Diesel-electric engine
- Speed: 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph)
- Capacity: 380,000 square feet of cargo space
General Frank S. Besson-class Support Vessel
The General Frank S. Besson-class support vessel, named after the U.S. Army’s first four-star general in logistics, is a powerhouse for transporting supplies and equipment, providing critical support to operations around the globe.
- Length: 274 feet to 906 feet (83.5 meters to 276 meters) depending on the variant
- Displacement: 17,636 long tons to 62,648 long tons (17,916 metric tons to 63,689 metric tons)
- Propulsion: Various configurations including diesel-electric
- Speed: 16 to 24 knots (30 km/h; 18 mph to 44 km/h; 28 mph)
- Capacity: Varies significantly by model, accommodating diverse mission needs
USNS Spearhead (T-EPF-1)
The USNS Spearhead leads the pack in the Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ships, characterized by their speed and maneuverability. Spearhead-class ships are designed for rapid intratheater movement of troops and equipment.
- Length: 338 feet (103 meters)
- Displacement: 2,400 short tons (2,177 metric tons)
- Propulsion: 4 MTU 20V8000 M71L diesel engines, 2 catamarans
- Speed: 43 knots (80 km/h; 50 mph)
- Capacity: 600 short tons of military cargo, including vehicles and containers
Advantages of Large Ships in the Army
These largest ships in the US Army’s fleet serve numerous strategic advantages. Key benefits include:
- Enhanced Mobility: These ships provide exceptional strategic mobility, allowing rapid deployment of forces across the globe.
- Logistical Support: Capable of transporting large quantities of supplies and equipment, ensuring troops have what they need when they need it.
- Versatility: The diverse capabilities of these ships allow them to support various missions, from combat operations to humanitarian aid.
- Force Projection: Large ships enable the Army to project power far beyond its shores, acting as platforms for complex military missions.
In conclusion, while the US Army is predominantly a land force, its utilization of these massive ships underscores the importance of versatility and global reach in modern military strategy. As technology and strategic needs evolve, so too does the fleet, ensuring that the US Army remains a formidable force on land, sea, and beyond.
