USS Saranac (AO-74)

History
United States
NameUSS Saranac
NamesakeSaranac River in New York
BuilderSun Shipbuilding & Drydock Co., Chester, Pennsylvania
Laid down27 August 1942, as SS Cowpens
Launched21 December 1942
Acquired31 December 1942
Commissioned22 February 1943
Decommissioned19 July 1946
In service1946
Out of service1956
RenamedSaranac, 16 September 1942
ReclassifiedYFP-9 (Floating Power Barge), 1 September 1954
Stricken26 March 1956
Honors and
awards
5 battle stars (World War II)
FateSold, 4 December 1957
General characteristics
TypeSuamico-class fleet replenishment oiler
Displacement
  • 5,782 long tons (5,875 t) light
  • 21,880 long tons (22,231 t) full
Length523 ft 6 in (159.56 m)
Beam68 ft (21 m)
Draft30 ft (9.1 m)
PropulsionTurbo-electric, single screw, 8,000 hp (5,966 kW)
Speed15.3 knots (28.3 km/h)
Capacity140,000 barrels (22,000 m3) gasoline
Complement257
Armament

USS Saranac (AO-74), originally named the SS Cowpens, was a Type T2-SE-A1 Suamico-class fleet oiler of the United States Navy, and the fourth ship of the Navy to bear the name.

Laid down under Maritime Commission contract (MC hull 337) on 27 August 1942 as Cowpens by Sun Shipbuilding & Drydock Co. of Chester, Pennsylvania, the ship was launched on 21 December 1942, sponsored by Mrs. A. Poestrak. She was renamed Saranac on 16 September 1942, acquired by the U.S. Navy on 31 December 1942, and commissioned on 22 February 1943.