World Navies Today - US Navy Special Mission and General Support Auxiliaries

8/14/2019 World Navies Today - US Navy Special Mission and General Support Auxiliaries

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World Navies Today:

US Navy Special Missionand General Support

AuxiliariesRevised 10 March 2003

Version 2.16Compiled and Maintained by: Andrew ToppanWorld Navies Today Main Page: http://www.hazegray.org/worldnav/
mailto:[email protected]://www.hazegray.org/worldnav/http://www.hazegray.org/worldnav/mailto:[email protected]


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This list includes major auxiliaries which support special missions and projects andgeneral non-combat logistics requirements. Other auxiliaries are listed separately: fleet

support auxiliaries, minor auxiliaries and yard craft, and research and survey ships.

Ships not yet commissioned, or in long-term overhaul/conversion, are listed in italics.

Navigation and surface-search radars are not listed. All classifications are purelyunofficial and are based on an attempt to use standard classifications throughout all

navies; they may or may not correspond to "official" designations. Where two dates are

given (i.e. 1965/82), the first is the date of initial completion, and the second is the date

of acquisition, conversion, or transfer. Designations given in (parentheses) are assigned

but not displayed on the ship's hull.

Ships operated by MSC carry the prefix "USNS" with their names; chartered ships are

M/V.

Ship Types Included:

Special Mission Support ShipsGeneral Logistics Support Ships
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Special Mission Support

ShipsObservation Island(C4-S-1A"Mariner" type) missile tracking ship

Displacement: 17,051 tons full load

Dimensions: 563 x 76 x 29 feet/171.6 x 23 x 8.8 meters

Propulsion: 2 boilers, steam turbines, 1 shaft, 22,000 shp, 20 knots

Crew: 66 civilian + 35 technicians + USAFRadar: SPQ-11 Cobra Judy missile tracking, 3 other missile tracking

Concept/Program: A former cargo ship converted to a missile test ship, then converted

as a missile tracking ship, primarily to monitor Soviet missile tests. Was completed for

merchant service 1954, converted to missile test ship (YAG 57/EAG 154/AG 154) 1956-

1958; converted to missile tracking configuration 1979-1981. Retains merchantconfiguration but with extensive antenna arrays added, superstructure enlarged, kingposts

removed. Now operated by MSC with a civilian crew under USAF operational control.

Builders: New York SB, Camden, NJ; missile tracking conversion at Maryland SB&DD,

Baltimore.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes

(T-AGM 23) Observation Island 1954/81 PAC (none) MSC Pacific

Zeus cable ship


Dimensions: 502.5 x 73 x 24 feet/153.2 x 22.2 x 7.3 metersPropulsion: 5 diesels, diesel-electric, 2 shafts, 12,500 shp, 15.8 knots

Crew: 51 civilian + 6 naval + 32 technicians

Cargo: 1,000 miles cable
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Concept/Program: The Navy's last cable ship; civilian-manned under MSC. The only

purpose-built USN cable ship ever. Most cable laying and repair operations are now

handled by civilian contractors.

Builders: NASSCO, San Diego.


(T-ARC 7) Zeus 1984 ATL (none) MSC Atlantic

Waters navigation research & missile

tracking ship



Propulsion: diesel-electric, 7,400 shp, 2 shafts, 14 knots

Crew: 32 + 68 mission crew

Concept/Program: A large survey ship built to replace the venerable Mizar (T-AGOR11), but lack of operating funds has forced conversion to other roles. Originally had

extensive search/survey gear, facilties for ROVs, and a "moon pool"; these facilities have

apparently been deleted. She is now fitted with equipment from Vanguard and Range

Sentinel to fill navigation research and missile tracking roles. Ship is now undersponsorship of the Strategic Programs Office. The ship should properly be re-designatedin the T-AGM or T-AG series.

Builders: Avondale Industries, New Orleans; conversion by NORSHIPCO, Norfolk, VA.


(T-AGS 45) Waters 1993/98 ATL Port Canaveral MSC Atlantic
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ex-Paul F. Foster (Spruance class) weapons trials ship

(0+1 ship)

Spruance class specifications:

Displacement: 9,000-9,400 tons full loadDimensions: 563 x 55 x 29 feet/171.6 x 16.7 x 8.8 metersPropulsion: 4 LM2500 gas turbines, 2 shafts, 80,000 shp, 30+ knots

Crew:Radar:

Sonar:

Fire Control:

EW:

Aviation:Armament:

Concept/Program: A Spruance-class destroyer to be decommissioned 3/2003 will beconverted into a self defense trials ship, to replace the ex-Decatur. Will be remote-controlled while in operation; full extent of the conversion is not known.

Builders: Litton/Ingalls SB, Pascagoula, MS.


DD 964 Paul F. Foster 1976/04 PAC San Bruno, CA Pending Conversion

ex-Arthur W. Radford(Spruance class) DD(X)

demonstration and test ship (0+1 ship)

Spruance class specifications:

Displacement: 9,000-9,400 tons full load

Dimensions: 563 x 55 x 29 feet/171.6 x 16.7 x 8.8 meters

Propulsion:Crew:

Radar:

Sonar:

Fire Control:

EW:Aviation:

Armament:

Concept/Program: A Spruance-class destroyer to be decommissioned 3/2003 will be

loaned to Northrop Grumman (Ingalls) as a testbed for the DD(X) class destroyers. Thiswill be a major conversion, involving a completely new superstruture, new propulsion,

new electronics, etc.


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Builders: Litton/Ingalls SB, Pascagoula, MS.


DD 968 Arthur W. Radford 1977/05? ATL Pascagoula? Pending Conversion

Hayes acoustic trials ship


Dimensions: 246.5 x 75 x 22 feet/75 x 22.8 x 6.7 meters

Propulsion: 3 diesels, diesel-electric, 2 shafts, 5,400 shp, 12 knots

Crew: 19 civilians + 7 Navy + 30 technicians

Concept/Program: A former oceanographic research ship (ex-AGOR 16) which hasbeen extensively converted to serve as an acoustic trials ship, operating in support of

submarine noise trials. The ship is a catameran; she was unsuccessful as an AGOR due to

poor seakeeping. Conversion included major changes to superstructure and an entirely

new propulsion system to provide ultra-quiet operation. The ship is operated by MSC forDavid Taylor Naval Research Center.

Builders: Todd Shipyards, Seattle, WA; conversion by Puget Sound Naval Shipyard,

Bremerton, WA.


(T-AG 195) Hayes 1971/92 ATL Port Canaveral MSC Atlantic

ex-Decatur (Forrest Sherman class)weapons trials ship

Displacement: 4,000 tons full loadDimensions: 419 x 45 x 20 feet/127.7 x 13.7 x 6 metersPropulsion: 2 diesel outdrives, 2,400 bhp, 10 knots

Crew: unmanned in use, 50 civilians for transits

EW: :SLQ-32(V)3 active/passive

Armament: 8-cell Mk29 NATO Sea Sparrow, 21-cell RAM, 20mm Phalanx CIWS
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Concept/Program: An old destroyer converted to serve as a trials ship for integrated

ship self-defense systems. She is used to test Sea Sparrow, RAM and Phalanx systems

against live missile attacks. For this role the ship has been refitted with all-new masts, a

modified superstructure, diesel propulsion, and a small helicopter platform; the vessel isunmanned and remotely controlled while firing trials are carried out. Additional weapons

and combat systems may be tested in the future; expected to remain in operation in thisrole through 2010. The ship is the former Decatur (DDG 31, nee DD 936); she was

stricken 1989 but was retained for this role. Is not assigned any official designation or

name, but carries the number "31" on her bow and is generally known asDecatur. Willbe replaced by Paul F. Foster in 2004.

Builders: Bethlehem Steel, Quincy MA; conversion by Puget Sound Naval Shipyard,

Bremerton, WA.


-- ex-Decatur 1956/94 PAC San Bruno, CA

Invincible (modified Stalwart class)missile tracking ship

Displacement: approx. 2,300 tons full load


Propulsion: 4 diesels, diesel-electric, 2 shafts, 3,200 shp, 11 knotsCrew: approx. 30

Radar: Cobra Gemini missile tracking

Concept/Program: Former SURTASS ocean surveillance ship converted to a missile

tracking ship, employed in support of USAF programs. Had been deactivated in 1995 and

stricken, but reactivated in 1998 and converted; not redesignated T-AGM 24 until 4/2000.

Despite this redesignation, she is officially listed as "stricken" by the US Navy. Carries

the radar array in a dome aft, and the stern area has been built up to provide additionalequipment space. Under USAF operational control.

Builders: Tacoma Boatbuilding, WA.


(T-AGM 24) Invincible 1986/98 PAC (none) MSC Central
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Stalwart class air surveillance patrol

ships (2 ships)



Propulsion: 4 diesels, diesel-electric, 2 shafts, 3,200 shp, 11 knots

Crew: 18 civilian + 20 Navy

Radar: SPS-49(V)3 2-D air search (AGOS 16: SPS-40)

Concept/Program: Former ocean surveillance (sonar) ships outfitted with air search

radars and employed to track drug-running aircraft in the Gulf of Mexico. Modifications

for this role are minimal; the sonars have been removed and the radar is installed at themasthead, in place of the original satellite antenna. Two sisters served with USCG in a

similar role, but are now deactivated.

Builders: Tacoma Boatbuilding, WA, except AGOS 16 by Trinity/Halter Marine, New

Orleans, LA.


(T-AGOS 1) Stalwart 1984/93 ATL (none) MSC Atlantic

(T-AGOS 16) Capable 1989/93 ATL (none) MSC Atlantic

C-Commando special operationssubmersible support ship


Dimensions: 220 x 56 x 16.5 feet/68.75 x 17.5 x 5.2 meters

Propulsion: Diesel, 2 shaftsCrew: ?? civilian + mission crew

Concept/Program: Former oilfield support tug chartered to support testing of the new

Advanced SEAL Delivery System mini-subs.

Builders: ??
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-- C-Commando 19??/00 PAC Pearl Harbor MSC Pacific

Carolyn Chouest

submarine/submersible support ship


Dimensions: 238 x 52 x 17 feet/74.3 x 16.3 x 5.3 meters>Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 12 knots

Crew: 15 civilian + mission crew

Concept/Program: A former oilfield support tug chartered as a support ship for nuclear

submersible NR-1; also used for general submarine escort and rescue, trials support, etc.Equipped to operate ROVs.

Builders: North American SB, Larose, LA.


-- Carolyn Chouest 1977/94 A TL Groton MSC Atlantic

Kellie Chouest submersible support and

submarine rescue ship


Dimensions: 311.5 x 52 x 15 feet/95 x 15.8 x 4.6 metersPropulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 3,900 bbhp, ?? knots

Crew: ?? civilian + mission crew

Concept/Program: New-construction oilfield support tug-type vessel chartered to serve

in a submarine/submersible support role. Equipped to operate ROVs and unmanned

submersibles, DSRVs, and the submarine rescue chamber; also supports submarine trials.

Has a stern lift for the DSRVs.

Builders: North American SB, Galliano, LA.


-- Kellie Chouest 1996 PAC San Diego MSC Pacific
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Dolores Chouest submersible support

and submarine rescue ship


Dimensions: 240 x 40 x 12 feet/75 x 12 x 3.6 meters

Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2,250 bhp, 13 knots

Crew: ?? civilian + mission crew

Concept/Program: Former oilfield support tug chartered and converted to serve in a

submarine/submersible support role. Equipped to operate ROVs and unmanned

submersibles, DSRVs, and the submarine rescue chamber; also supports submarine trials.

Has a stern lift for the DSRVs.

Builders: North American SB, Galliano, LA.


-- Delores Chouest 1978/?? ATL Norfolk MSC Atlantic

Joint Venture high speed experimental

ship


Dimensions: 315 x 88.5 x 12 feetPropulsion: 4 diesels, 4 waterjets, 30,000 bhp, 37-50 knots

Crew: 30

Troops: up to 600

Cargo: up tp 800 tons

Concept/Program: A chartered commercial high-speed catamaran, used to test variousnew concepts, both for warships and for logistics/sealift ships. Has been assigned to the

Army, Coast Guard, and Navy at various times, and has been used operationally in the

Middle East/Indian Ocean areas. Is assigned Navy designation IX 532, but carriesbuilder's designation HSV-X1 on the hull.

Builders: Incat Ltd, Australia.


(IX 532)HSV-X1

Joint Venture 1998/01
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General Logistics Support

ShipsMercy class hospital ships (2 ships)



Propulsion: 2 boilers, steam turbines, 1 shaft, 24,500 shp, 17.5 knotsCrew: 68 civilian + 1,508 medical staff

Aviation: midships helicopter deck

Concept/Program: Former tankers extensively converted to large hospital ships to

support US rapid-deployment forces; also can support disaster-relief and refugee

operations. These vessels are in the Ready Reserve Force and are maintained in 5-dayreadiness; they are civilian-manned. They have extensive hospital facilities, including 12

operating rooms, 4 X-ray rooms, pharmacy, blood bank, 80-bed intensive care, 920

general beds, plus surge capacity of 1000 additional patients for limited care; there is a

large flight deck for helicopter operations.

Builders: Construction and conversion by NASSCO, San Diego, CA.


(T-AH 19) Mercy 1976/86 PAC San Diego MSC Pacific RRF-5

(T-AH 20) Comfort 1976/87 ATL Baltimore MSC Atlantic RRF-5

Gus W. Darnellclass (T5 type)

transport tankers (5 ships)


Dimensions: 614 x 90 x 34 feet/187 x 27.5 x 10.4 meters

Propulsion: 1 diesel, 15,300 bhp, 1 shaft, 16 knots
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Sagamore general logistics ship


Dimensions: 330 x 52 x 20 feetPropulsion: 13 knots

Cargo:Crew: 15 civilian

Program/Concept: A commercial, self-loading container ship chartered for general

logistics duties.


Sagamore

Montauk coastal transport tanker


Dimensions: 349 x 51.2 x 18.2 feet/109 x 16 x 5.69 metersPropulsion: 1 diesel, 1 shaft, 2,665 bhp, 13 knots

Crew: ?? civilianCargo: 5,850 cubic meters

Concept/Program: Small commercial tanker chartered for fuel transport duties in the

Western Pacific.

Builders: Tuzla Gemi Endustrisi, Tuzla, Turkey.


(none) Montauk 1999/00 PAC (none) MSC Far East
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Strong Texan special logistics ship


Dimensions: 268 x 51 x 18 feet/81.6 x 15.5 x 5.5 meters

Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2,500 bhp, 12 knots

Concept/Program: A highly specialized cargo ship designed for transporting bulkyand/or extremely heavy cargo; fitted with two 160-ton booms, RO/RO vehicle capability,

and limited float-on/float-off capability. Can carry 225 TEU as a container ship.

Builders: Arnhemsche Scipswerf Maats, Arnhem, Netherlands.


-- Strong Texan 1976/?? PAC (none) MSC Pacific

Westpac Express high speed sealift ship


Dimensions: 331 x 87.5 feet x 13.4 feet

Propulsion: 4 diesels, 4 waterjets, 40,236 bhp, 33 knotsCrew: 13 civilian

Troops: up to 970

Cargo: 160 vehicles

Concept/Program: A chartered commercial high-speed catamaran, used to transport

Marines between Okinawa and Japan. Unlike HSV-X1, this is an operational logistics

ship, not an experimental ship.

Builders: Austal Ltd, Australia.


-- Westpac Express 2001 PAC Okinawa
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Compiled and maintained by Andrew Toppan.Copyright 1997-2003, Andrew Toppan. All Rights Reserved.

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