A converted cargo vessel designed to serve as a special operations mothership has joined the growing U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, according to a Military Sealift Command spokesperson interviewed by Task & Purpose. Its mission has not been publicly disclosed.
Originally launched as a commercial roll-on/roll-off cargo ship in 2010, the vessel was later converted under a $73 million U.S. Navy contract to support a wide range of special operations missions. The Ocean Trader is capable of hosting up to 159 special operations forces in addition to its 50-member crew, operating at sea for as long as 45 days before resupply.
