Gdynia on the route of world giants: USNS Red Cloud makes its first visit to a Polish port
The USNS Red Cloud, an impressive transport vessel belonging to the Military Sealift Command, has docked in Gdynia Port for the first time, attracting the attention of maritime and military enthusiasts alike.
In brief
The transport ship USNS Red Cloud (T-AKR 313) of the Military Sealift Command has moored in a Polish port for the first time, at the Helskie II Quay in the Port of Gdynia. The Watson-class vessel is 289.6 metres long and 32.3 metres wide, displaces 62,644 tons, reaches 24 knots and has a range of 13,800 nautical miles. The cargo holds accommodate more than 1,200 vehicles on an area of 36,511 square metres, served by ramps with a capacity of up to 72.5 tons. The ship's name commemorates Corporal Mitchell Red Cloud Jr., a hero of the Korean War.
The USNS Red Cloud is a Watson-class ship, one of the most advanced transporters in the service of the U.S. Navy. Its formidable dimensions—289.6 meters in length, 32.3 meters in width, and a displacement of 62,644 tons—make it a giant among logistical vessels. Powered by two GE LM2500 gas turbines with a combined output of 64,000 horsepower, the ship reaches a speed of 24 knots and can cover a distance of 13,800 nautical miles without refueling.
The Red Cloud is specifically equipped for the transportation of heavy military equipment. Its holds can accommodate over 1,200 vehicles, including tanks, tracked vehicles, and trucks. The total loading area spans an impressive 36,511 square meters—equivalent to the area of five full-sized football fields. Loading and unloading operations are carried out using modern ramps capable of handling up to 72.5 tons and cranes with a lifting capacity of 55 tons each, ensuring efficient operations under diverse port conditions.
While in Gdynia, the ship was berthed at Nabrzeże Helskie II. Intensive, round-the-clock loading and unloading operations were conducted to transport military equipment, including wheeled and tracked vehicles. These operations support global U.S. military missions and underscore the strategic importance of Gdynia Port as a key NATO logistics hub.
Symbolism and History of the American Vessel
The USNS Red Cloud is named after Corporal Mitchell Red Cloud Jr., a Korean War hero who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary valor in combat.
The visit of the Red Cloud to Gdynia Port is not only a logistical event but also a testament to the growing role of Polish ports in facilitating international military operations. For the maritime industry and local businesses, this visit provides an opportunity to exchange experiences and build relationships with American partners.
Strategic Significance of Gdynia's Port
The presence of the Americans in Gdynia is yet another confirmation of the strategic importance of Poland’s coastline on the map of global logistics. The scale of operations and the magnitude of the transported equipment remind us that ports like Gdynia play a crucial role in international supply chains—both in peacetime and during periods of heightened geopolitical tension. This further highlights the need for ongoing investment in port infrastructure development in the Tri-City area.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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