FSS (Formerly known as SL-7)

There are eight Fast Sealift Ships, the pride of the Military Sealift Command's Strategic Sealift Force. These ships are almost as large as an aircraft carrier at 946 feet long, and are capable of sustained speeds in excess of 30 knots (exact speed is classified), rendering them especially suited to their primary mission: the rapid transport of military equipment (tanks, helicopters, wheeled vehicles and other heavy equipment) to support deployed troops worldwide. The eight ships were converted from what were formerly the largest and fastest container ships (Sealand's SL-7's) in the U.S. Flag commercial fleet. The cargo hold was redesigned into a series of decks connected by ramps so that vehicles can now be driven in and out of storage areas for rapid loading and unloading. Four cranes were installed, twin cranes amidships capable of lifting 35 tons apiece or 70 long tons together, and the after cranes are capable of lifting 50 tons apiece or 100 long tons together.

Ship Characteristics:

Propulsion Characteristics:

More Photos:

USNS Capella in Pearl Harbor, HI '97

USNS Capella in Gladstone, Qld. '97

Links for more photos and information: