The last T-2 tanker
The last T-2 tanker, in the world is on the way to its final resting place. The USNS Mission Santa Ynez is a Type T2-SE-A2 tanker, of the Mission Buenaventura Class. She has been laid-up in the mothball fleet of Suisun Bay, CA since 1975, and in a few days will be departing the San Francisco drydock for her final voyage to Brownsville, TX for scrapping, under tow through the Panama Canal.
From the U.S. Navy Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships
Mission Santa Ynez was laid down 9 September 1943 under a Maritime Commission contract by Marine Ship Corp., Sausalito, Calif.; launched 19 December 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Ralph K. Davies; and delivered 13 March 1944.
Chartered to Pacific Tankers, Inc., for operations, she spent the remainder of the war carrying fuel to our forces overseas. She remained in this capacity until 28 March 1946 when she was returned to the Maritime Commission and laid up in the Maritime Reserve Fleet at James River, Va.
Acquired by the Navy 22 October 1947, she was placed in service with the Naval Transportation Service as Mission Santa Ynez (AO?134). Taken over by the newly created Military Sea Transportation Service 1 October 1949, she was redesignated USNS Mission Santa Ynez (T?AO?134). Chartered to Mathiasens Tanker Industries, Inc., for operations, she still serves MSTS, the only ship of her class to serve MSTS continuously, since its establishment.
Below is an excellent slide show I found from somebody who helped participate in moving the vessel from Suisun Bay to San Francisco.
USNS Mission Santa Ynez moored in the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet, CA. (Flickr/Derell Licht)
More information:
Navy Times article – Ships to be removed from Calif. Ghost Fleet
