MV Buffalo Soldier (T-AK-9301)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

MV Buffalo Soldier (T-AK-9301) is a United States Navy Military Sealift Command Maritime Prepositioning ship. MV Buffalo Soldier is named in honor of the first peacetime African-American regiments which were formed following the American Civil War.

She is a reflagged French Government Line roll-on/roll-off ship stationed at Diego Garcia, owned by RR and VO Partnership and operated by Red River Shipping. She is loaded with U.S. Air Force cargo.

Buffalo Soldier is self-sustaining, meaning she can unload herself, which is an asset in harbors with little or no infrastructure. Her 120 long ton capacity roll-on/roll-off ramp will accommodate tracked and wheeled vehicles of every description.

[edit] General characteristics

• Builder: Chantiers Navigation de la Ciotat
• Power Plant: 2 SEMT-Pielstick 18 PC2.5 V diesels; 23,400 hp (17 MW); 1 shaft; bow thruster
• Length: 670 ft (204 m)
• Beam: 87 ft (26.5 m)
• Displacement: 40,357 tons (41,005 t) full load
• Speed: 16 knots (30 km/h)
• Crew: 19 civilians