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Grommet Reefer (T-AF 53) Class: Photographs

These photographs were selected to show the original configuration of this class and major subsequent modifications. For more views see the former NHHC (now Hyperwar) Online Library of Selected Images and the NavSource Photo Archive.

Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.

USAT Grommet Reefer

Photographed in 1948 at the Army terminal at Seattle. She was a Maritime Commission C1-M-AV1 coastal cargo ship that had been converted in 1945 to a refrigerated R1-M-AV3. She was the only R1-M-AV3 left in Army service when she was transferred on 1 March 1950 to MSTS with three Army refrigerated C2's, AF 50-52.

Photo No. None
Source: Shipscribe

  USAT Grommet Reefer in 1948
USNS Grommet Reefer (T-AF 53)

The forward half of the ship at Leghorn, Italy, after she was driven by violent storm winds on 15 December 1952 onto a rocky breakwater that caused her to break in half. She was carrying a cargo of Christmas items for American forces in Italy and Austria.

Photo No. None (U.S. Army)
Source: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command (MSC)

  USNS Grommet Reefer (T-AF 53) circa 15 December 1952
USNS Grommet Reefer (T-AF 53)

Both halves of the ship on 15 December 1952 during rescue attempts in heavy seas at Leghorn, Italy, after violent storm winds drove her onto a rocky breakwater that caused her to break in half. All crewmen were subsequently saved in Navy operations by helicopter, breeches buoy, and small boats.

Photo No. None
Source: Shipscribe

  USNS Grommet Reefer (T-AF 53) on 15 December 1952