File:TX Clipper III.JPG

English: The USNS Sirius docked at the Texas Maritime Academy at Texas A&M @ Galveston. The ship was going to be converted into the USTS (United States Training Ship) Texas Clipper III. Sirius was deactivated and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 2005 and given to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD), then assigned to Texas Maritime Academy under an agreement that it can be activated by MARAD at any time. During the fall of 2005, the Sirius served in New Orleans for Katrina relief, from 10 September until 29 November 2005 and at Lake Charles, Louisiana (USA), for Rita relief until 2 March 2006. Because of its extended relief effort, Sirius was unable to undergo a refit in 2006 to adapt its new role as a training vessel and comply with U.S. Coast Guard safety standards. Because the Sirius had not undergone a refit, it could not be formally commissioned as the USTS Texas Clipper III nor could it be used for summer training cruises. In the winter of 2009, the U.S. Coast Guard ruled that Sirius was unfit for training and was prepared for decommissioning while the school looked for a new training ship. On 25 June 2009, Sirius was returned to the U.S. Maritime Administration.