Please report any broken links or trouble you might come across to the Webmaster. Please take a moment to let us know so that we can correct any problems and make your visit as enjoyable and as informative as possible.

NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive

Antioch (AG-180)

  • Laid down, 28 February 1945, as SS Bessemer Victory a Maritime Commission type (VC2-S-AP2) hull under Maritime Commission contract (MCV hull 745) at Permanente Metals Yard No. 2, Richmond, CA.
  • Launched, 11 April 1945
  • Delivered to the Maritime Commission , 7 May 1945
  • Scheduled to be acquired by the US Navy in February 1966 for conversion to a Forward Depot Ship, the forerunner of the Fast Deployment Logistic Ships
  • Scheduled to be renamed Antioch (AG-180) and placed in service with the Military Sea Transport Service
  • Program canceled, 1 February 1966
  • Bessemer Victory while leased to Isthanian Line Inc., carried cargo including ammunition to Vietnam under conract to MSTS dduing the Vietnam War
  • Final Disposition, sold for scrapping 19 October 1989 for scrapping at Kaohsiung, Taiwan
    Specifications:
    Displacement 4,512 t.(lt) 15,589 t.(fl)
    Length 455'
    Beam 62'
    Draft 29'
    Speed 15.5 kts.
    Propulsion cross compound steam turbine, single screw, 8,500shp
    Click On Image
    For Full Size Image    		 Size Image Description Contributed
    By
    Antioch
    094918001    		 207k
    Namesake
    Antioch - Antioch University is a private university with multiple campuses in the United States and online programs. Founded in 1852 as Antioch College.    		 Tommy Trampp
    Merchant Service Waterman Steamship Co. Isthmian Lines Inc.
    Antioch
    094918002    		 48k Waterman Steamship Co. SS Bessemer Victory underway, date and location unknown. John Spivey
    Antioch
    094918003    		 159k SS Bessemer Victory mooted pierside, date and location unknown. MARAD
    Antioch (AG-180)
    Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (DANFS)
    Additional Resources and Web Sites of Interest
    MARAD Vessel History Database
    Back To The Main Photo Index Back To The Service Ship Photo Index Back To The Miscellaneous Auxiliary (AG) Ship Photo Index
    Comments, Suggestions, E-mail Webmaster.
    This page is created and maintained by Gary P. Priolo
    All pages copyright NavSource Naval History
    Last Updated 24 January 2025