Scene on the Sound: SS Cape Island

SS Cape Island
Photo by Jan Hansen

The Cape Island sailed by today, moving quickly at 18 kn. Interestingly this vessel has been renamed at least twice.

"You could say she was ...drafted..." punned Jan Hansen.

The following information is from Wikipedia:

SS Cape Island (T-AKR-10) was originally laid down for commercial service in 1976 as Illinois, a Type C7 ship for the States Lines. 

It was launched and then needed to be used for military service and transferred into the Naval Vessel Register (NVR) as the USNS Mercury, as transport ship for vehicles, and other goods. 

The ship was returned to Crowley Liner Services of Jacksonville, Florida. 

In 1993 the ship was permanently transferred to the navy's roll as a ready reserve ship, and renamed Cape Island (T-AKR-10). The Cape Island remains laid up in a ready reserve state so that it may be activated in five days, if called upon. 

The ship is currently moored in Tacoma, Washington

--Jan Hansen