USNS Samuel L. Cobb (T-AOT-1123) was originally named the MV Samuel L. Cobb and used for transport of military assets in various theaters. It was not until the outbreak of the Iraq war in 2003 when the ship was purchased by the United States Navy that it was fully put under the operation of Military Sealift Command. This ship also had a refit to expand its abilities to do underway replenishment of multiple ships.

USNS Samuel L. Cobb, beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay
History
United States
NameUSNS Samuel L. Cobb
NamesakeSamuel L. Cobb
OperatorMilitary Sealift Command
BuilderAmerican Ship Building Company, Tampa, Florida
Christened11/15/1985
Acquired2003 by USN, redesignated USNS Samuel L. Cobb
Out of serviceOctober 30, 2010
Renamed2003
StrickenOctober 30, 2010
Identification
StatusLaid up in the National Defense Reserve Fleet
General characteristics
Class and typeT – 5 oil tanker
Displacement32,572 t.(lt) 65,000 t.(fl)
Length615 ft (187 m)
Beam90 ft 0 in (27.43 m)
Draft36 ft (11 m)
Propulsion1 Sulzer 5RTA 76 diesel; 18,400 hp sustained; 1 shaft
Speed16 knots (30 km/h)
Capacity237,766 bbls
Crew24 civilians

The ship was named after Samuel L. Cobb, the Master of the SS Alcoa Guide during World War II. Cobb was awarded the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal for heroism and meritorious service under unusual hazards.

On the morning of February 9, 2024, the ship was observed being towed through the Brazos Santiago Pass at South Padre Island, presumably for recycling at the Brownsville shipyards.

References

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