SS Cape Girardeau (Retention)

Cape Girardeau is a break-bulk cargo ship built for American Mail Line, Ltd. In 1968 as the Alaskan Mail.  The vessel was later sold to American President Lines and renamed President Adams.  The Maritime Administration purchased the vessel in 1988 and renamed it Cape Girardeau.  While part of the Ready Reserve Force, Cape Girardeau was part of the flotilla that engaged in cargo operations during Operation DESERT STORM.  In October 2008 Cape Girardeau, already anchored in the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet, was downgraded to the National Defense Reserve Fleet retention program where it is currently in emergency sealift status.