USNS Matthew Perry explained

USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE-9) is a of the United States Navy, named in honor of Commodore Matthew C. Perry (1794–1858), who led the effort to open Japan to trade with the West.^[1]

The contract to build Matthew Perry was awarded to National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) of San Diego, California, on 30 January 2006. Her keel was laid down on 3 October 2008. She was launched and christened on 16 August 2009, sponsored by Hester Evans, a great-great-great-granddaughter of Commodore Perry.

Service

Matthew Perry was one of several participating in disaster relief after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.^[2] During the 21 days of operations, Matthew Perry completed 17 separate replenishment events, delivering more than 1.5e6USgal of fuel and transporting relief supplies.^[3]

See also

• , for other ships named after Commodore Perry

External links

• Web site: [{{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=AKE9}} USNS ''Matthew Perry'' (T-AKE 9) ]. 4 December 2008 . . . 2009-01-24 .
• Web site: USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE-9) . Priolo . Gary P. . 16 January 2009 . Service Ship Photo Archive . NavSource Online . 2009-01-24 .

Notes and References

1. Web site: Navy Names Four Ships After American Pioneers . 2 December 2008 . . 2010-10-14 .
2. Seawaves,"Warships Supporting Earthquake in Japan"
3. Web site: Disaster! Operation Tomodachi . Edward . Baxter . May 2011 . Military Sealift Command (MSC) . 8 October 2011 .