The Gopher State-class crane ships of the United States Navy are a class of auxiliary vessels. The lead ship of the class is named in honor of the state of Minnesota. Original United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) designation for the ship is C5-S-73b. History All three vessels of the class were former Sea Witch-class container ships built at the Bath Iron Works for American Export-Isbrandtsen Lines. AEIL was acquired by Farrell Lines in 1978 and the ships were later returned to the Maritime Administration (MARAD) at an unknown date. They were converted for naval service as crane ships in 1986–1987. All three ships are in MARAD Ready Reserve Force status in Newport News, Virginia. Ships in class SS Gopher State (T-ACS-4) was converted from the Export Leader, Bath Hull No. 358, IMO 7226689 SS Flickertail State (T-ACS-5) was converted from the CV Lightning, Bath Hull No. 355, IMO 6817845 SS Cornhusker State (T-ACS-6) was converted from the CV Stag Hound, Bath Hull No. 356, IMO 6916433 External links Shipbuilding History page with information on Bath Iron Works hulls NavSource Gopher State (T-ACS-4) NavSource Flickertail State (T-ACS-5) NavSource Cornhusker State (T-ACS-6) Outboard Profiles of Maritime Administration Vessels, The C5-Designs and his Conversions Gopher State class crane ship Auxiliary ship classes of the United States Navy Gopher State class crane ship Auxiliary transport ship classes Type C5 ships