USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE-10) is a Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship of the United States Navy, named in honor of Dr. Charles R. Drew (1904–1950), who developed improved techniques for blood storage, and applied his expert knowledge in developing large-scale blood banks early in World War II, saving thousands of Allied lives.[3]
The contract to build Charles Drew was awarded to National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) of San Diego, California, on 31 January 2008. Her keel was laid down on 17 March 2009. Charles Drew was christened and launched on 27 February 2010, sponsored by Mrs. Bebe Drew Price, the eldest daughter of Dr. Drew. The principal address at the ceremony was given by Vice Admiral Regina Benjamin, the Surgeon General of the United States.[4]
Charles Drew was delivered to Military Sealift Command on 14 July 2010 and began conducting missions for MSC in spring 2011 and will operate in the Pacific.[2]
References
- ^ a b c d "USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10)". Naval Vessel Register. United States Navy. 20 March 2009. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
- ^ a b Seal, Laura M. (14 July 2010). "The Navy's Newest Dry Cargo/Ammunition Ship Delivered to MSC". Navy News Service. NNS100714-13. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
- ^ "Navy Names Four Ships After American Pioneers". U.S. Department of Defense. 2 December 2008. Retrieved 14 October 2010.
- ^ "General Dynamics NASSCO Launches USNS Charles Drew" (Press release). PR Newswire. 27 February 2010. Retrieved 27 February 2010.
External links
- Photo gallery of USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE-10) at NavSource Naval History
- "USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10)". T-AKE Photo Gallery. NASSCO/General Dynamics Corporation. 2009. Retrieved 11 April 2009.
- marinetraffic.com
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