Design dated 24 September 1921 made for converting a Golden State class merchant ship into a cable layer was requested for on 18 August 1921 and handed over to OpNavy on 29 September 1921. The reason for the request is somehow strange while the US Navy did not need cable layers at that moment. The designed cable layer had a capacity of 2.700-3.000 miles underwater cable.
With a displacement of 21,300 tons and as dimensions 534 (waterline) x 72’0” (waterline) x 30’6”. The red. geared turbines machinery supplied 12.000 shp allowing a speed of 17 knots and with a speed of 10 knots was the range 8.000 nautical miles.
Source
Spring Styles Book 1911-1925. Design S854-181. Naval History and Heritage Command.
