Visit to MG Robert Smalls (LSV-8) July 27, 2019

This 83x18m (273x60ft) logistics support vessel (LSV) was built by VT Halter Marine in Moss Point, Mississippi in 2004. The last of 8 General Frank S. Besson-class vessels, she was inducted into the Army’s watercraft fleet in 2007. This Army article has more information about this event which took place here in Baltimore, Maryland.

The namesake of this vessel, Robert Smalls, was born into slavery in April 5, 1839 in Beaufort, South Carolina. He made his entry into history on May 12, 1862 as he, with the assistance of the other slaves in the crew of the confederate military transport Planter, escaped to the Union. He went on to serve in the Navy and Army for the next 6 years as a pilot and armed transport captain. From then until 1887 he served in various political posts in South Carolina before passing in the town of his birth in February 23, 1915. (Source: Wikipedia)

My first view of this vessel during this visit was that of the bow lifted high with the bow ramp extended straight over the water clearly showing her ability to load or discharge rolling cargo nearly as wide as she is. I boarded through the side of the vessel near the superstructure and got a good look at the 10,500 sq ft deck area which is able to handle up to 15 M1 Abrams main battle tanks.

Entering in through a side door below the superstructure my guide took me to the engine room which lives under the deck. Among other machinery in this area were a pair of CAT 3516 1,950 hp engines which give her a speed of 12.5 knots when light and 11.5 when loaded.

Taking the stairs up past the deck the kitchen and mess were seen.

This vessel even has a well equipped sick bay!

Up more stairs we came to the bridge which has 360 degree visibility. From here this 4,266 ton vessel can be piloted 8,200 nautical miles light or 6,500 when loaded.

My tour ends coming out the opposite side door from when we started and I had the opportunity to look more at the deck which includes the lowered stern ramp.

If loaded to 816 tons or less she can be beached to discharge cargo or carry up to 1814 tons to a dock. She is the largest powered watercraft in the Army inventory and is clearly an invaluable asset to the US defense.