USNS Red Cloud in dry dock, Mobile, Alabama. September 2002.

USNS RED CLOUD is the fourth WATSON - class large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ship (LMSR) and homeported in Diego Garcia. One previous ship (YT 268) (1943- 1986) was named RED CLOUD in honor of an American Indian chief (1822-1909).

General Characteristics: Awarded: January 30, 1996
Keel laid: June 29, 1998
Launched: August 7, 1999
Delivered: January 18, 2000
Builder: National Steel and Shipbuilding, San Diego, CA
Propulsion system: two GE Marine LM gas turbines
Propellers: two
Length: 951.4 feet (290 meters)
Beam: 106 feet (32.3 meters)
Draft: 34.1 feet (10.4 meters)
Displacement: approx. 62,970 tons full load
Speed: 24 knots
Aircraft: helicopter landing area only
Armament: none
Capacity: 393,000 sq. ft. (more than 900 vehicles including tanks and trucks)
Crew: 26 civilian crew (up to 45); up to 50 active duty
Homeport: Diego Garcia