Missile Range Instrumentation Ships - T-AGM
Description:Missile range instrumentation ship provides a platform for monitoring foreign missile launchers for SALT Treaty verification.
Features: USNS Observation Island operates worldwide, monitoring compliance with strategic arms treaties and supports U.S. military weapons test programs. Observation Island carries an Air Force shipborne phased-array radar System for collection of data on missile tests. The ship is operated by Military Sealift Command for the U.S. Air Force Technical Applications Center at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida.
Background: USNS Observation Island was built as a "Mariner" class merchant ship; launched Aug. 15, 1953; acquired by the Navy on Sept. 10, 1956, for use as a Fleet Ballistic Missile test ship. The vessel was converted at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. In reserve from September 1972. On Aug. 18, 1977, Observation Island was reacquired by the U.S. Navy from the Maritime Administration and transferred to Military Sealift Command and reclassified as T-AGM 23.
Point of Contact:
Office of Public Affairs
Military Sealift Command
Washington, DC 20398-5540
(202) 685-5055 or www.msc.navy.mil
General Characteristics: Observation Island Class
Builder: New York Shipbuilding
Conversion: Maryland Shipbuilding and Drydock Corporation
Power Plant: Two boilers; 1 GE turbine; 19,250 hp (14.36 MW); 1 shaft
Length: 564 feet (171.6 meters)
Beam: 76 feet (23.2 meters)
Displacement: 13,060 tons (13,269.59 metric tons) light; 17,015 tons (17,288.06 metric tons) full load
Speed: 20 kts (23 mph)
Ship: No homeport assigned
USNS Observation Island (T-AGM 23)
Crew: 65 civilians (20 officers, 35 technicians)
