Historical Narrative

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Gem State is an auxiliary crane ship built originally by the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego, California as the breakbulk cargo ship President Monroe. The ship was launched on February 10, 1965 and delivered to American President Lines (APL) on April 25, 1966.

In 1972, APL had President Monroe converted to a container ship (type C6-S-1qc) at Todd Shipyard in Seattle, Washington. On April 30, 1980 APL traded President Monroe to the Maritime Administration (MARAD) in return for credit on the purchase price of a new vessel. MARAD then assigned President Monroe to the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet. In May 1985, MARAD changed the vessel’s name to Gem State. In 1986, MARAD converted the vessel from a container ship to an auxiliary crane ship (type C6-S-MA1qd).

On October 2, 1991, the U.S. Navy’ Military Sealift Command (MSC) activated Gem State to support sealift operations during Operation Desert Storm. Gem State later participated in Desert Sortie, the operation to move military equipment, supplies, and ammunition out of the Middle East at the end of the conflict. MSC returned Gem State to MARAD on February 14, 1992, concluding its 136-day activation. Gem State is currently layberthed in Alameda, California as part of MARAD’s Ready Reserve Force.

Vessel Name History

1966 - 1985:     President Monroe
1985 - present: Gem State

Photo Captions

1.) Gem State, dockside.  MARAD file photo.

Vessel Name History

GEM STATE

PRESIDENT MONROE