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General M.B. Stewart

The General M.B. Stewart was one of thirty C4-S-A1 class transport vessels built during World War II, named after American generals from World War I. Launched in 1944, she served first as a troop transport in the Pacific theater before becoming instrumental in post-war refugee relocation efforts.

Construction and Early Service

Built by Kaiser Co. in Richmond, California, the General M.B. Stewart was launched on October 15, 1944. She was commissioned into the US Navy on March 3, 1945, and commenced her inaugural voyage on April 2, 1945, sailing from San Francisco to Pearl Harbor.

Military Service

During World War II, the vessel served primarily in the Pacific theater, capable of carrying up to a3,000 troops. In May 1946, she was transferred to the US Army, and later in 1950, she was reassigned to the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS).

Refugee Transport Service

Following World War II, the General M.B. Stewart played a crucial role in the International Refugee Organisation's efforts to relocate displaced persons. She completed five documented voyages to Australia:

  • October 29, 1947: Departed Bremerhaven with 843 refugees, arriving Fremantle on November 28
  • March 12, 1949: Departed Naples with 816 refugees, arriving Melbourne on April 13
  • June 30, 1949: Departed Naples with 842 refugees, arriving Adelaide on July 20
  • January 3, 1950: Departed Naples with 1,262 refugees, arriving Melbourne on January 31
  • March 22, 1950: Departed Naples with 1,300 refugees, arriving Sydney on April 17

Later Career and Fate

In 1958, the vessel was laid up in the Hudson River reserve fleet, New York. In 1967, she was sold to Albany River Transport Inc. and converted to a cargo ship, including the installation of a 70-ton heavy lift crane. She was renamed Albany. In 1974, she was sold to Avondale Shipyards Inc. and converted to a drilling ship, renamed Mission Viking. The vessel was finally sold to shipbreakers in 1987.

Key Facts

Specification Details
Dimensions 523 ft x 71 ft (159.3 m x 21.7 m)
Gross Tonnage 10,645
Propulsion Geared turbines, single screw
Service Speed 17 knots
Crew Capacity 256
Troop Capacity Up to 3,000
Passenger Capacity Approximately 1,300