The Coast Guard Manned - USS Serpens AK 97 Commemorative Website
The Coast Guard Manned USS Serpens, AK-97
Named after a constellation in the Northern Hemisphere
Builder: California Shipbuilding Corporation, Wilmington California
Class: Crater Cargo Ship, Maritime Commission Standard Type: EC-2 SC-1
Sponsored by Mrs. H. P. Needham
The hull was laid down, 10 March 1943 (MC hull 739)
Launched, 5 April 1943
Acquired by the Navy: 19 April 1943
Commissioned 28 May 1943 in San Diego; Lt. Comdr. Magnus J. Johnson, USCGR, in command
Ships Complement: 206
Length: 441' 6"
Beam: 56' 11"
Draft: 27' 7"
Displacement: 14,250 tons
Complement: 206
Top speed: 11 knots
Reciprocating steam engine, single shaft, 2,500hp
Armament: One 5"/38 dual purpose gun mount, two 40mm guns and six 20mm guns
