The USNS GySgt. Fred W. Stockham (T-AK-3017) is a Shughart-class container and roll-on/roll-off support vessel operated by the United States Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC). Originally constructed as the MV Lica Maersk at the Lindovaerftet shipyard in Odense, Denmark, she was delivered around 1980 for commercial service with Maersk Line. The vessel features a design optimized for roll-on/roll-off operations, allowing efficient transportation of containers and military equipment. In 1997, the ship was acquired by the U.S. Navy and underwent conversion at NASSCO in San Diego to serve as a Large, Medium Speed, Roll-On/Roll-Off (LMSR) sealift ship. Initially renamed USNS Soderman (T-AKR-299), she was named after PFC William A. Soderman, a Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. She entered service in 1998 under Bay Ship Management Inc., operating under MSC’s direction. In 2000, she was temporarily taken out of service for further modifications to serve as an enhanced prepositioning ship and was subsequently reclassified and renamed USNS GySgt Fred W. Stockham on March 1, 2001. The vessel is named after Gunnery Sergeant Fred W. Stockham, USMC, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Battle of Belleau Wood in 1918. As a key asset in the MSC’s fleet, Stockham is part of the 17 container and roll-on/roll-off ships and is integral to the Prepositioning Program, operating with Squadron Two out of Diego Garcia. Her primary role involves rapid deployment and logistical support for military operations worldwide. Notably, in 2008, The Guardian reported that the Stockham was among vessels allegedly used in covert detention operations. The ship remained in service until she was stricken from the naval registry on June 30, 2025, and arrived in Brownsville, Texas, for scrapping under her own power.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.