USS Tucana (AK-88)

USS Tucana (AK-88) was an "Enceladus"-class cargo ship commissioned by the U.S. Navy for service in World War II. She was responsible for delivering goods and equipment to locations in the war zone. After commissioning, she was transferred to the U.S. Army as "USAT Arthur C. Ely".

Building a ship for the Army

"AK-88" was originally authorized under Maritime Commission contract (MC hull 651) and assigned the name "MV Symmes Potter". The name "Tucana" was assigned to her by the Navy on 30 October 1942; and, on 1 January 1943, her contract was transferred from the Maritime Commission to the supervision of the Navy. "AK-88" was laid down on 24 April 1944 at Camden, New Jersey, by the Penn-Jersey Shipbuilding Corp.; launched on 13 September 1944; and sponsored by Mrs. Patrick J. Gushing. On that same day, she was reassigned and delivered to the Army, and her name was struck from the Navy list.

Service with the Army

She was delivered to the U.S. Army and commissioned "USAT Arthur C. Ely", a Port Rehabilitation vessel

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships
* World War II

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/#Anchor-Editoria-14954 Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/13/130088.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - AK-88 Tucana - Arthur C. Ely]