Crowley-Managed MARAD Ship Headed to New Orleans

The Crowley-managed aviation logistics support ship SS Wright has been activated by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) to respond to the crisis in the New Orleans area brought about by Hurricane Katrina. The ship is sailing from Baltimore today, and upon arrival in New Orleans next week, will be used as housing for more than 300 people who will be involved with infrastructure restoration

The SS Wright, a MARAD-owned vessel operated by Crowley, is one of two aviation logistics ships that supports U.S. Marine Corps fixed wing aircraft. The SS Wright (home ported in Baltimore) and SS Curtiss (home ported in San Diego) are maintained in a reduced operating status, but at a high state of readiness, such that the reduced operating crew of 10 professional mariners can make the vessel fully operational in 96 hours and ready to deploy to a contingency operation worldwide.

The SS Wright carries licensed and unlicensed crew from the American Maritime Officers (AMO) and the Seafarer's International Union (SIU).