The Sea-Land - Galloway container ship. Now a Fast Sealift Ship, the USNS Antares. Fast Sealift Ships are currently the fastest cargo ships in the world, capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots. Originally built in 1972 and 1973 as high-speed container ships for Sea-Land Services, Inc., the ships' high operating costs limited their profitability. All eight ships were acquired by the US Navy in 1981 and 1982, with the last ship converted, recommissioned and delivered to Military Sealift Command in 1986. The conversion entailed the installation of four cranes, addition of roll on/roll off capability and a redesign of the cargo hold to better facilitate storage of vehicles. Due largely to their high cost of operation, all fast sealift ships are kept in Reduced Operating Status, but can be activated and ready to sail in 96 hours.