Her keel was laid as the Mobiloil and was launched in 1942 by Bethlehem Shipbuilding & Drydock Company, Sparrows Point, Maryland as the Samoset. The vessel was designated for World War II service and renamed USS Chiwawa AO-68 before completion.

In 1961 she was rebuilt as a straight decked bulk freighter for lakes service, at this time she was lengthened 227'10", widened 7'0" and deepened 2'0". The conversion took place at the American Shipbuilding yard in Lorain, OH. Was again lengthened in 1976 by American Ship Building at Lorain, OH by 96 feet. In 1978 she entered the Lorain shipyard to be converted to a self unloader. Other improvements included a bow thruster installed in 1966 and a stern thruster installed in 1982.

Length 826'00" Beam 75'00" Depth 39'00"


In my collection photographer unknown