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General Characteristics Crew List About the Ship's Name Image Gallery to end of page | Sorry, no coat of arms available. |
USNS SODERMAN is the eighth and final WATSON - class large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ship (LMSR) and the second ship in the Navy named after Pfc. William A. Soderman.
| General Characteristics: | Awarded: February 25, 2000 |
| Keel laid: October 31, 2000 | |
| Launched: April 26, 2002 | |
| Delivered: September 24, 2002 | |
| 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 |
back to top go to the end of the pageback to top go to the end of the pageCrew List:
This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USNS SODERMAN. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.
back to top go to the end of the pageAbout the Ship's Name:
USNS SODERMAN ship is named to honor Pfc. William A. Soderman, USA (1912-1980), a native of West Haven, Connecticut. Pfc. Soderman was assigned to Company K, 9th Infantry, 2nd Infantry Division during World War II. On Dec. 17, 1944, Pfc. Soderman defended a key road junction near Rocherath, Belgium. Under severe artillery barrage, mortar and machine gun fire, he remained at his post and successfully held off German counter offenses by disabling three enemy tanks with a bazooka at point blank range before being wounded. Distinguishing himself by conspicuous gallantry and unfaltering courage against overwhelming odds, above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy, President Harry S Truman presented Pfc. Soderman the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on Oct. 12, 1945.
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