The SS Gopher State (T-ACS-4) was laid down on 26 July 1971, at Bath Iron Works, Bath, ME. as SS Export Leader, a Maritime Administration type (C5-S-73b) hull under Maritime Administration contract (MA 257). She was launched on 8 July 1972 and delivered to the Maritime Administration, 22 January 1973. She was assigned by the Maritime Administration to the Military Sealift Command (MSC) on 7 November 1980 and assigned to the Atlantic Fleet, based out of Charleston, SC. SS Gopher State is berthed at Newport News VA. and is maintained in a 5-day readiness status (ROS-5)

External links

• Global Security.org - T-ACS Keystone State Auxiliary Crane Ships
• Global Security.org - T-ACS Keystone State Auxiliary Crane Ships specifications
• Navsource.org
• National Defense Reserve Fleet Inventory