The Sun Ship Historical Society has been in contact with the James River Reserve Fleet Office regarding the 'Last' T-2 tanker, the U.S.S. Saugatuck. On July 18th, under tow and aided by tugs she left the 'Mothball Fleet' and arrived at the Bay Bridge Enterprises facility for demolition. The Saugatuck was launched at Sun Ship on Dec. 7, 1942 as the Newtown (Hull 250) and commissioned as the Saugatuck in Feb of 1943. During WWII, 536 T-2 tankers were built and of these, 203 were built at Sun Ship. The Saugatuck underwent 3 Japanese attacks during the Saipan landings. She supported carriers for the invasions of Palaus and Leyte. During the Korean War she shuttled fuel to Korea from California. The Saugatuck proudley earned 7 battle stars. Since 1954 she has sat in the gentle waters of the James River waiting for the call to service that never came.....well done.....well done
(From: John Costello SSHS)
