U.S. MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND TO ACQUIRE NEW CLASS OF VESSELS
The U.S. Military Sealift Command will acquire a new class of combat logistics vessels, to be known as the hull designator “T-AKE.”
The $4-billion auxiliary dry cargo carrier acquisition program will comprise 12 vessels that will replace existing T-AEl 26-class of ammunition ships and T-AFS 1 and 8 classes of combat stores ships.
Like the rest of the sealift command fleet, the vessels will be built to commercial maritime industry standards.
A construction contract is expected to be awarded soon, with the first vessel expected for delivery in 2004.