With only nine years of active service with the Seventh Fleet, Albatross had a relatively short career. Earlier "Falcon" and "Redwing" class MSCs built in the mid 1950s were powered with the time-tested U.S. built Packard and General Motors diesels while the newer Albatross -- and her sister, Gannet (MSC-290) -- were produced with four 8-cylinder Harischfeger engines of German design. Over time, both Albatross and Gannet suffered from recurring engine failures and electro-hydraulic issues which kept tech reps busy whenever we weren't on long patrols. By 1970, the expense had become too much and the Navy retired both vessels long before their anticipated service life of 30-35 years.
USS Albatross MSC 289 was first of her class -- built by the Tacoma Boat Building Company. Her keel was laid in 1959, the ship was launched in 1960 and commissioned in 1961. This is believed to be one of the first U.S. Navy archive photos taken as she conducted sea trials shortly after. Albatross was struck from the Navy in 1970 at Sasebo, Japan and sold for scrap after only 9 years of active service. Propulsion was attained with four 8-cylinder Harnischfeger deisel engines producing 1100 hp on two main shafts. With low pitch propellers, Albatross' max. speed was about 14 knots in calm seas -- which was rarely the case.
USS Albatross MSC 289 was first of her class -- built by the Tacoma Boat Building Company. Her keel was laid in 1959, the ship was launched in 1960 and commissioned in 1961. This is believed to be one of the first U.S. Navy archive photos taken as she conducted sea trials shortly after. Albatross was struck from the Navy in 1970 at Sasebo, Japan and sold for scrap after only 9 years of active service. Propulsion was attained with four 8-cylinder Harnischfeger deisel engines producing 1100 hp on two main shafts. With low pitch propellers, Albatross' max. speed was about 14 knots in calm seas -- which was rarely the case.
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