Robert Baus News

Military Sealift Command accepted delivery of dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS William McLean during a ceremony at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. The 689-foot long McLean, designated T-AKE 12, is the 12th of 14 new dry cargo/ammunition ships scheduled for delivery to the Navy by the end of 2012. The first ship of the class, USNS Lewis and Clark, joined MSC’s fleet in 2006 and is one of 11 dry cargo/ ammunition ships currently operating as part of the command’s Combat Logistics Force, delivering vital fuel, equipment and supplies to Navy warships at sea.

USNS William McLean, the newest ship in the U.S. Navy's Lewis and Clark-class of dry cargo/ammunition ships, slid into the water for the first time April 16 during a nighttime launch and christening ceremony at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. With a blast from the ship’s horn, McLean’s sponsor, Margaret Taylor, niece of the ship’s namesake, broke the traditional bottle of champagne against the bow as a colorful fireworks display lit up the night sky. “I am honored to represent then 9…