Name USNS Paul Buck Completed as Ocean Champion Out of service 30 June 2010 Launched 7 July 1985 | Laid down 1985 In service 11 September 1985 Construction started 1985 Beam 27 m | |
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Acquired by US Navy 11 September 1985 Builder American Ship Building Company | ||
USNS Paul Buck (T-AOT-1122) was originally constructed in 1985 by American Ship building Company, Tampa, Florida for Ocean Product Tankers of Houston for a long term charter to the United States Navy and operated by Military Sealift Command. The ship was delivered on 7 July 1985. It is a T-5 Tanker. The ship was named after Merchant Marine Paul Buck, who was awarded the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal.
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Antarctic missions
Paul Buck made frequent deliveries of fuel to the Antarctic for resupply. This was the most common route that this ship made delivering a variety of fuel types to the base. It was always escorted by an ice breaker.
Paul Buck went out of service in June 2010 and was transferred to the Maritime Commission for disposal. Paul Buck is now awaiting bids to be converted to a Training Ship for SUNY Maritime College. General plans of the converted ship have been submitted to the College for review.
Conversion to T/S Empire State VII
In September 2012, general plans were submitted to MARAD and SUNY Maritime College for the conversion of the USNS Paul Buck to the Empire State VII. For a time, these plans were put on hold and no further discussions regarding conversions or purpose-built ships were made. In 2014 MARAD reopened the conversion plans and SUNY Maritime College's new President, Rear Admiral Michael Alfutis stated that one of his long-term goals for the school would be to acquire a new training ship within the next four to six years. A series of sea trials conducted on the T.S. Empire State VI in August 2014 concluded that she had a useful life of at least another five years.