USS Merrimack (AO-179)

The fourth USS "Merrimack" (AO-179), was an oiler launched in 1980.

Cimarron class fleet replenishment oiler (1979)

Auxiliary ships of the United States

USS MERRIMACK was the third ship in the CIMARRON-class of five fleet oilers. Since decommissioning the ship is berthed at Fort Eustis, VA.

USS MERRIMACK was last homeported in Norfolk, Va.

General Characteristics:

Awarded: January 25, 1977
Keel laid: July 16, 1979
Launched: May 17, 1980
Commissioned: November 14, 1981
Decommissioned: December 18, 1998
Builder: Avondale Shipyards, Inc., New Orleans, LA
Propulsion system: two 600psi Boilers (Automated Steam)
Propellers: one
Length: 700 feet (213.4 meters)
Beam: 88 feet (26.8 meters)
Draft: 32 feet (9.7 meters)
Displacement: approx. 37,000 tons
Speed: 19 knots
Capacity: 150,000 barrels of fuel oil or aviation fuel and several tons of additional goods
Aircraft: none
Helicopter platform: Yes
Armament: two 20mm Phalanx CIWS
Crew:15 officers and 215 enlisted