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Good Question: What Are Those Strange Looking Ships At Pier 50?

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) – These vessels are ready at the drop of a dime for any emergency. Ron Longinotti asked this Good Question: What are those strange looking ships docked at Pier 50?

ANSWER: The ships are called "Ro-Ro-Ships". According to Peter Dailey of the Port of San Francisco, they are part of the nation's Ready Reserve Fleet.

"Ro-Ro" stands for roll on roll off, meaning the ships can haul trucks, tanks and other vehicles. They have their own ramp system so vehicles can drive right on. The ships can be loaded with emergency supplies and can be at sea within 96 hours to respond to a variety of emergencies.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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