Laid down 1966 Construction started 1966 Length 212 m | Class and type Roll-on/Roll-off Ship Launched 1967 Weight 26,960 tons | |
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Namesake Admiral William M. Callaghan Owner American Export Isbrandtsen Lines Renamed GTS Admiral W. M. Callaghan Notes The ship is capable of being fully activated within 5 days Builders Sun Shipbuilding & Drydock Co., Chester | ||
The GTS Admiral W. M. Callaghan was first constructed to be used in an industrial capacity but later optioned by Military Sealift Command to be used in logistical work throughout the fleet to deal with the changing needs of the military. The ship was delivered in 1967 and was used for transport responsibilities during the Vietnam War. It has been used in a variety of different services in its history since it was initially launched, including the war against terror in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The ship was named after Admiral William M. Callaghan who captained the USS Missouri and later became vital in overseeing the development of the modern US system of ready reserve ships.
In August 1969, the Callaghan transported the first battalion of the Pershing 1a Field Artillery Missile System from Port Canaveral to West Germany.