SS Alexander Macomb

SS John W. Brown, a ship of the same class
History
United States
NameAlexander Macomb
NamesakeAlexander Macomb
OwnerWar Shipping Administration (WSA)
OperatorA. H. Bull Steamship Company
Orderedas type (EC2-S-C1) hull, MCE hull 36
Awarded14 March 1941
BuilderBethlehem-Fairfield Shipyard, Baltimore, Maryland[1]
Cost$1,077,145[2]
Yard number2023
Way number8
Laid down18 February 1942
Launched6 May 1942
Completed2 June 1942
FateSunk by German submarine U-215, 3 July 1942, 10 killed
General characteristics [3]
Class and type
Tonnage
Displacement
Length
  • 441 feet 6 inches (135 m) oa
  • 416 feet (127 m) pp
  • 427 feet (130 m) lwl
Beam57 feet (17 m)
Draft27 ft 9.25 in (8.4646 m)
Installed power
  • 2 × Oil fired 450 °F (232 °C) boilers, operating at 220 psi (1,500 kPa)
  • 2,500 hp (1,900 kW)
Propulsion
Speed11.5 knots (21.3 km/h; 13.2 mph)
Capacity
  • 562,608 cubic feet (15,931 m3) (grain)
  • 499,573 cubic feet (14,146 m3) (bale)
Complement
Armament

SS Alexander Macomb was a Liberty ship built in the United States during World War II. She was named after Alexander Macomb, the Commanding General of the United States Army from May 29, 1828, until his death on June 25, 1841. Macomb was the field commander at the Battle of Plattsburgh, during the War of 1812, and after the decisive victory, was lauded with praise and styled "The Hero of Plattsburgh" by some of the American press. He was promoted to Major General for his conduct, receiving both the Thanks of Congress and a Congressional Gold Medal.