SS Cape Mendocino is part of the Ready Reserve Force. Some ships may dock in Humboldt Bay. (United States Maritime Administration)
The large, gray merchant shipping vessel may eventually be anchored in Humboldt Bay, waiting to be dispatched. The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) is interested in storing Ready Reserve vessels, which primarily transport military vehicles, in Humboldt Bay when they are not deployed, according to a person in charge of vessels that enter Humboldt Bay. .
Leroy Zahran, director of the Humboldt Bay Development Association, said the process is in the very early stages.
“They are starting to become more active now and are looking for more locations and new locations on both coasts,” Zahran said. He said he has been in contact with the agency over the years and recently received a call about the ship. “They're still looking at whether Humboldt Bay is viable and whether we can help,” he said.
The boat is approximately 800 feet long and 30 feet deep. Zahran said these ships are no larger than other ships that enter the bay, and that he has identified three civilian wharves that they can use. He said it will be connected to shore energy so that there is no need to run huge generators while in port.
According to MARAD's website, these ships are currently stationed in strategic locations around the country, with the Bay Area being the closest to Humboldt Bay. Approximately 10 commercial merchant mariners are on board during the shutdown, forming a skeleton crew. These ships coordinate training and ship transportation, and when deployed support a variety of humanitarian, natural disaster, and military operations.
Zahran said the ships will not store the missiles and will later sail elsewhere to be loaded with equipment. Most of the Ready Reserve are roll-on/roll-off vessels, used to transport military cargo, especially vehicles.
“They'll be sitting on the docks unless they're needed,” he said. He said the vessels are primarily stationary and will not interfere with commercial fishing fleets or other vessels.
Zerlang sees this as a positive. One benefit is increased tonnage for the Army Corps of Engineers' Humboldt Bay dredging operations. Additionally, suppliers and contractors could benefit, Zahran said, adding money and jobs to the local economy.
He said he gets calls every week about outlandish ideas, but these calls have legs. “There's potential here,” he said. He stressed that it is up to the people and will go through a comment period and public meetings. The contract will be for five years, he said.
Sage Alexander can be reached at 707-441-0504.
