SS Wright (T-AVB-3)

SS Wright (T-AVB-3) is one of two Aviation Logistics Support (Roll-on/Roll-off) Container Ships built for the United States Navy in 1968.

The lead ship of her class of two, she was originally laid down 1 June 1968 at Ingalls Shipbuilding, Inc. of Pascagoula, Mississippi as SS Mormacsun, a Maritime Commission type (C5-S-78) Ro-Ro vessel under Maritime Administration contract (MA 224) for Moore-McCormack Lines. Launched 1 July 1969, she was delivered to the Maritime Administration (MARAD) 1 February 1970 and subsequently renamed SS Young America (date unknown). Again renamed SS Wright (T-AVB-3) on 14 May 1986, the ship was assigned to MARAD Ready Reserve Force (RRF), MSC PM-5 Sealift Program Office, Logistics Prepositioning Force.

Wright provides support for Marine Corps helicopters. SS Wright is outfitted with both a stern ramp and side ports. Their roll-on/roll-off deck runs the complete length of the ship. When outfitted with mobile facilities, the ships can service aircraft while anchored offshore. Currently SS Wright is maintained in reduced status ROS-5 (five day reactivation status) at Baltimore, Maryland.

Government service
In November of 2012 the SS Wright was mobilized to support relief operations after Hurricane Sandy caused damage to the New York/New Jersey region. The ship served as lodging for American Red Cross volunteers, Americorps, FEMA corps, Montana Conservation Corps, Washington Conservation Corps and Virginia Military Institute all who were deployed to support the organizations Hurricane Sandy response. The ship shared a dock near the St George ferry on Staten Island, NY with the TS Kennedy which served as lodging for FEMA staff and contractors.