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Cape K Class Roll-on/Roll-off ships are primarily vehicle transporters that allows vehicles to drive on or off the ship via ramps. RO/RO cargo includes wheeled, tracked, self-propelled, and towed vehicles and equipment. A series of external and internal ramps facilitate the loading and discharge of RO/RO cargo. To maintain safe operations, the ramp angle for loading/unloading procedures is no greater than 15 degrees. When designing wheeled or tracked equipment, the materiel developer/contractor must allow for adequate clearance underneath the vehicle to prevent contact at the ramp crest/toe for a 15 degree ramp and enough clearance above the vehicle to prevent projection interference problems.


Specifications:
Hull: Type Dsl/Netherld -RO-RO  Displacement: 15,718 t.(lt) 44,466 t.(fl)
Length: 659.9'   Beam: 105.77'   Draft: 35.2' (max)   Speed: 16.6 kts. Cargo Capacity (75%) 110,184 sq. ft.
Complement:   Fully Operational Status 25   Reduced Operational Status 9
Armament: none
Propulsion: one slow speed diesel engine, one shaft

SS Belletrix AKR-288         Wikipedia
Laid down, as SS Sea-Land Trade
at Rheinstahal Nordseewerke, Emden, Germany
Delivered to Sea-Land Steamship Co., 1 April 1973
Acquired by the US Navy in 1981 and to (MSC)
Placed in service as Cargo Ship USNS Bellatrix (T-AK-288)
Redesignated Roll-on/Roll-off Vehicle Cargo Ship (T-AKR-288),
                                                                                  September 1982
Bellatrix was returned to MARAD custody in 5-day RRF status (ROS-5), 1 October 2007, laid up in a berth at Marrero, LA.

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SS Altair AKR-291          Wikipedia
Laid down, date unknown, as SS Sea-Land Finance
at Rheinstahl Nordseewerke, Emden Germany
Delivered to Sea-Land in 1973 Acquired by the US Navy, 1 May 1982
Assigned to the  MSC as USNS Altair (T-AK-291)
Redesignated Roll-on/Roll-off
                           Vehicle Cargo Ship (T-AKR-291), 1 November 1983
Converted to a "roll-on/roll-off" vehicle transport
                at Avondale Shipbuilding Co, Westwego, LA. in June 1984
SS Altair was returned to MARAD custody in 5-day RRF status
                  (ROS-5), 1 October 2007, laid up in a berth at Marrero, LA

READY RESERVE FORCE "RRF"

Algol class vehicle cargo ships, also known as Fast Sealift Ships (FSS) or SL-7s, are currently the fastest cargo ships in the world, capable of speeds in excess of 33 knots (61 km/h). Originally built in 1972 and 1973 as high-speed container ships known as SL-7's for Sea-Land Services, Inc., the ships' high operating costs limited their profitability. All eight ships were acquired by the US Navy in 1981 and 1982, with the last ship converted, recommissioned and delivered to Military Sealift Command in 1986. The conversion entailed the installation of four cranes, addition of roll on/roll off capability and a redesign of the cargo hold to better facilitate storage of vehicles. Due largely to their high cost of operation, all fast sealift ships are kept in Reduced Operating Status, but can be activated and ready to sail in 96 hours. All ships are named after bright stars in the night sky.

Specifications:
Displacement:  29,692 t.(lt) 61,987 t.(fl)   Length: 947'   Beam: 106'   Draft: 37'   Speed:  33 kts.
Complement: 43 civilian mariners         Armament: none
Propulsion:
                     [2] Foster-Wheeler boilers, 875 psi (61.6kg/cm2), 950°F (510°C)
                     [2] General Electric MST-19 steam turbines
                     twin propellers 120,000shp