USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5) delivered

SAN DIEGO, June 6 (UPI) -- General Dynamics National Steel and Ship Building Co. has delivered the USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5) to the U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command.

The San Diego-based General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard announced the delivery of the USNS Robert E. Peary as part of the Navy's dry cargo-ammunition ship program. Officials say the delivery marks the fifth ship delivered for the program.

The USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5) is a Lewis and Clark class dry cargo ship named after Navy Rear Adm. Peary, who led the first expedition to the North Pole. Officials say the T-AKE ships, capable of carrying more than 10,000 tons of cargo, are an effort to replace the Navy's worn-out single-mission vessels.

"Starting with the delivery of USNS Lewis and Clark in June 2006, NASSCO has delivered five ships into service with the Navy's Military Sealift Command," Frederick Harris, General Dynamics NASSCO president, said in a statement.

"Like her sister ships, T-AKE 5 is a high-quality, extremely capable auxiliary ship that is complete and ready to help fulfill the Navy's global combat logistics requirements."

General Dynamics NASSCO is under contract for the construction of 11 T-AKE ships.