Cape Texas Military Sealift Command RORO Roll-on/Roll-off ship

Cape Texas: Roll-on/Roll-off Ship inbound to the Port of Panama City

We were walking on the beach in St Andrews State Park when the Cape Texas appeared in the Pass leading from the Gulf of Mexico to St Andrews Bay. The Roll-on/Roll-off ship was inbound for the Port of Panama City.

Cape Texas: Roll-on/Roll-off ship, inbound to Port Panama City

We looked up and saw this 634' ship Military Sealift Command ship heading into St Andrews Bay. It is a RORO or Roll-ON/Roll-Off ship used to transport rolling stock that can be driven on and of the ship.

Cape Texas RORO (Roll-On/Roll-off) ship entering St Andrews Bay

It is a tight squeeze through the Pass so the Cape Texas has a tug boat following to help maneuver the large ship. The Cape Texas is a Military Sealift Command ship used to transport vehicles that can be driven on and off the ship.

Cape Texas Military Sealift Command RORO Roll-On/Roll-Off Ship

This is a closeup of the pilot house on the Cape Texas.

The RORO roll-on/roll-off ramp on the stern is also visible.

Cape Texas Military Sealift Command RORO roll-on/roll-off ship

Cape Texas is a US Government RORO Roll-on/Roll-off ship.

RORO's or Roll-on/roll-off ships are vessels designed to carry wheeled cargo such as automobiles, trucks, semi-trailer trucks, trailers or railroad cars that are driven on and off the ship on their own wheels.

RORO vessels have built-in ramps which allow the cargo to be "driven on" and "driven off" the vessel when in port. Ramps and doors may be stern-only, or bow and stern

I suspect that is the roll-on/roll-off ramp visible on the stern.

Cape Texas RORO safely in St Andrews Bay at Panama City, Florida

Roll-on/Roll-off vessels like the Cape Texas is the preferred ship type for deployment of military equipment.

The military advantages of RORO roll-on/roll-off ships include the capability for rapid loading and discharge of military vehicles and open deck areas well suited to transport of outsized military cargo.

Click here for more Marine: Ships & Boats

Click here for more Miscellaneous subjects

Ain't life grand?

That is all there is.

Until next time remember how good life is.

Mike & Joyce Hendrix