The former USNS Comet (T-AKR-7) is a vehicle landing ship originally built for the US Navy. The lone ship of its class, it was built at Sun Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company of Chester, Pennsylvania and was delivered in January 1958. The Comet is considered to be the first purpose-built oceangoing “Roll On/Roll Off” vessel. The Comet operated as part of the common user fleet of the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS), later Military Sealift Command (MSC). It was a notable participant in the U.S. response to the Lebanon Crisis in 1958.
Additional Information:
MARAD USNS Comet Page
HAER Survey CA348
| Launched | July 31, 1957 |
| Builder | Sun Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co |
| Length | 499 ft |
| Beam | 78 ft |
| Designed Operating Draft | 22 ft |
| Displacement (Full Load) | 16,489 Long Tons |
| Gross Registered Tonnage | 13,790 |
| Propulsion | Steam Turbines |
| Maximum Continuous Shaft Horsepower | 13,200 |
| Normal Shaft Horsepower | 12,000 |
| Service Speed | 18 Knots |
| Cruising Radius at 18 knots | 13,000 Miles |
