US Chemical Destruction Ship Not Yet Ready for Syrian Mission

The 'Cape Ray', with the capabiltiy to destroy chemical weapons given up by the Syrian government , is part of the Maritime Administration's Reserve Ready Fleet of cargo ships, and is expected to leave for the Mediterranean in about two weeks reports Reuters, citing officials.

Forklifts moved equipment and sparks flew as workers welded containers and other gear on the deck of the MV Cape Ray, which is being  outfitted with modular housing to accommodate three times its normal complement of personnel, plus two hydrolysis units for destroying Syrian chemicals used in mustard and nerve gas weapons.

Reuters inform that the chemical weapons will be taken from the Syrian port of Latakia to a port in Italy where they will be loaded onto the Cape Ray and destroyed in international waters.

Source: Reuters