USNS Private Frank J. Petrarca
USNS Private Frank J. Petrarca (T-AK-250) was a US Maritime Administration (MARCOM) C1-M-AV1 type coastal cargo ship, originally planned as an . Constructed as Long Splice for MARCOM, completed in September 1945 and placed in operation by the War Shipping Administration (WSA) during the closing period of World War II. However, the war ended, and she was transferred to the US Army as USAT Private Frank J. Petrarca who kept her in service until transferred to the US Navy in 1950. Construction Long Splice was laid down under MARCOM contract, MC hull 2329, by the Consolidated Steel Corporation, Ltd., Long Beach, California, 18 April 1945; launched 8 July 1945; sponsored by Mrs. Eloi J. Amar; and delivered to the MARCOM, thence to Lykes Brothers, 20 September 1945. As Long Splice, the cargo ship was operated by Lykes Brothers under General Agency Agreement until 25 June 1946 when the agreement was changed to bareboat charter. On 29 August 1946 the ship returned to the MARCOM and transferred to the War Department under bareboat charter. US Army service The ship's title was transferred to the Army 3 October 1946 with the name changed to Private Frank J. Petrarca 31 October 1947. The