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The vessel, initially designated SS Mission San Fernando, was constructed as a Type T2-SE-A2 tanker for the United States Maritime Commission.
Answer: True
Explanation: The vessel, initially designated SS Mission San Fernando, was constructed as a Type T2-SE-A2 tanker for the United States Maritime Commission during World War II.
The vessel was named in honor of Mission San Fernando Rey de España, a Spanish mission located in Los Angeles.
Answer: True
Explanation: The vessel was named in honor of Mission San Fernando Rey de España, a historic Spanish mission situated in Los Angeles.
The Marinship Corporation, situated in Sausalito, California, undertook the construction of the Mission San Fernando.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Mission San Fernando was constructed by the Marinship Corporation, based in Sausalito, California.
The construction timeline for the Mission San Fernando included its laying down in August 1943 and delivery in February 1944.
Answer: True
Explanation: The construction timeline for the Mission San Fernando included its laying down on August 26, 1943, launching on November 25, 1943, and delivery on February 29, 1944.
Following its delivery, the SS Mission San Fernando was chartered to Pacific Tankers, Inc. for operational deployment in the Pacific theater.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following its delivery, the SS Mission San Fernando was chartered to Pacific Tankers, Inc. for operational deployment, primarily transporting fuel to Allied forces in the western Pacific Ocean during the remainder of World War II.
During its World War II service, the SS Mission San Fernando was awarded the Battle Efficiency Award twice and the National Defense Service Medal.
Answer: True
Explanation: During its World War II service, the SS Mission San Fernando received the Battle Efficiency Award on two occasions and was also awarded the National Defense Service Medal.
What was the original classification of the vessel prior to its entry into naval service?
Answer: A Type T2-SE-A2 tanker
Explanation: The vessel, initially designated SS Mission San Fernando, was constructed as a Type T2-SE-A2 tanker for the United States Maritime Commission during World War II.
Which shipyard was responsible for the construction of the Mission San Fernando?
Answer: Marinship Corporation, Sausalito
Explanation: The Mission San Fernando was constructed by the Marinship Corporation, based in Sausalito, California.
Who initially operated the SS Mission San Fernando following its delivery during World War II?
Answer: Pacific Tankers, Inc.
Explanation: Following its delivery, the SS Mission San Fernando was chartered to Pacific Tankers, Inc. for operational deployment, primarily transporting fuel to Allied forces in the western Pacific Ocean during the remainder of World War II.
In 1964, the vessel underwent a significant modernization program that included an increase in its length by approximately 24.4 meters.
Answer: True
Explanation: Upon reacquisition by the Navy in September 1964 for modernization, the vessel's length was significantly extended by 80 feet (24.4 meters) at the General Dynamics Quincy Shipbuilding Division.
Following its conversion, the ship was initially renamed Muscle Shoals and reclassified as a missile-range instrumentation ship (AGM-19), before later becoming the Vanguard.
Answer: True
Explanation: During its conversion, the vessel was renamed Muscle Shoals and reclassified with the hull classification symbol AGM-19, signifying its new role as a missile range instrumentation ship.
The vessel received its final designation, USNS Vanguard (T-AGM-19), and entered MSTS service in February 1966.
Answer: True
Explanation: The vessel was renamed Vanguard on September 1, 1965, and placed into MSTS service on February 28, 1966, under the designation USNS Vanguard (T-AGM-19).
As USNS Vanguard (T-AGM-19), the ship's primary function was to serve as a seagoing missile tracking station, not a naval repair facility.
Answer: True
Explanation: In its capacity as a missile-range instrumentation ship, USNS Vanguard functioned as a seagoing missile tracking station, outfitted with specialized radar and telemetry antennas.
The USNS Vanguard played a role in supporting the Skylab program and participated in the joint Apollo-Soyuz Test Project.
Answer: True
Explanation: USNS Vanguard participated in the test series for the Apollo Project, provided support for the Skylab program, and was involved in the joint United States-Soviet Apollo-Soyuz Test Project.
In September 1980, the Vanguard's role shifted from missile tracking to serving as a Navigational Test Ship, and its hull symbol was updated.
Answer: True
Explanation: In September 1980, the large missile tracking antennas were removed, and the ship underwent reconfiguration. Its operational role shifted from missile tracking to serving as a Navigational Test Ship, tasked with evaluating submarine navigation systems.
Following its 1980 reconfiguration, the ship's hull classification symbol was updated to T-AG-194, signifying its function as a Navigational Test Ship.
Answer: True
Explanation: Subsequent to its reconfiguration in September 1980, the vessel was reclassified and assigned the hull symbol T-AG-194.
During its later service, the Vanguard supported the navigation subsystems for the Poseidon and Trident I missiles, and contributed to the development of the Trident II navigation subsystem.
Answer: True
Explanation: In its role as a Navigational Test Ship, the Vanguard traversed over 250,000 miles supporting the navigation subsystems for the Poseidon and Trident I missiles, and participated in the development of the Trident II navigation subsystem.
The image caption for the Vanguard highlighted its role as a NASA Skylab tracking ship, noting specialized equipment such as SatCom tracking radar and telemetry antennas for space program support.
Answer: True
Explanation: The caption accompanying the image of the Vanguard identified it as a NASA Skylab tracking ship and noted the presence of specialized equipment, including SatCom tracking radar and telemetry antennas, for space program support.
The image caption for the Muscle Shoals indicated the vessel was photographed during its conversion process while in a dry dock at Quincy, Massachusetts, rather than after completion.
Answer: True
Explanation: The image caption for the Muscle Shoals indicated that the vessel was photographed during its conversion process while in a dry dock at Quincy, Massachusetts, rather than after completion.
During its conversion to a missile-range instrumentation ship, the vessel's length was increased by 80 feet.
Answer: True
Explanation: During its conversion into a missile-range instrumentation ship, the vessel's length was extended by 80 feet (24.4 meters).
The hull symbol T-AG-194 signifies the ship's final role as a Navigational Test Ship, not a dedicated missile tracking vessel.
Answer: True
Explanation: The hull symbol T-AG-194 indicates that in its final operational phase, the vessel served as a miscellaneous auxiliary (T-AG) vessel, specifically functioning as a Navigational Test Ship.
What significant structural modification occurred during the ship's modernization in 1964?
Answer: The length was increased by 80 feet.
Explanation: Upon reacquisition by the Navy in September 1964 for modernization, the vessel's length was significantly extended by 80 feet (24.4 meters) at the General Dynamics Quincy Shipbuilding Division.
What was the ship's designation and hull classification symbol during its conversion into a missile-range instrumentation ship?
Answer: Muscle Shoals (AGM-19)
Explanation: During its conversion, the vessel was renamed Muscle Shoals and reclassified with the hull classification symbol AGM-19, signifying its new role as a missile range instrumentation ship.
What was the primary role of the USNS Vanguard (T-AGM-19) following its conversion?
Answer: Serving as a missile tracking station
Explanation: In its capacity as a missile-range instrumentation ship, USNS Vanguard functioned as a seagoing missile tracking station, outfitted with specialized radar and telemetry antennas.
Which joint international program involved the participation of the USNS Vanguard?
Answer: Apollo-Soyuz Test Project
Explanation: USNS Vanguard participated in the test series for the Apollo Project, provided support for the Skylab program, and was involved in the joint United States-Soviet Apollo-Soyuz Test Project.
What hull classification symbol was assigned to the ship subsequent to its 1980 reconfiguration?
Answer: T-AG-194
Explanation: Subsequent to its reconfiguration in September 1980, the vessel was reclassified and assigned the hull symbol T-AG-194.
Which submarine missile navigation systems did the Vanguard support during its subsequent service period?
Answer: Poseidon and Trident I
Explanation: In its role as a Navigational Test Ship, the Vanguard traversed over 250,000 miles supporting the navigation subsystems for the Poseidon and Trident I missiles, and participated in the development of the Trident II navigation subsystem.
What does the hull symbol T-AG-194 signify regarding the ship's role in its final operational phase?
Answer: It served as a miscellaneous auxiliary vessel (Navigational Test Ship).
Explanation: The hull symbol T-AG-194 indicates that in its final operational phase, the vessel served as a miscellaneous auxiliary (T-AG) vessel, specifically functioning as a Navigational Test Ship.
The Vanguard was officially stricken from the Naval Vessel Register in 1999 and subsequently replaced in its duties by the USNS Waters (T-AGS-45).
Answer: True
Explanation: The Vanguard was officially stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on December 12, 1999. Its duties were subsequently assumed by USNS Waters (T-AGS-45).
The vessel was transferred to the Maritime Administration (MARAD) in 2001; MARAD subsequently issued a request for public comments concerning its historical significance in 2005.
Answer: True
Explanation: The vessel was transferred to MARAD on November 29, 2001. Subsequently, on March 16, 2005, MARAD issued a request for public comments concerning the historical significance of the vessel.
The Virginia State Historic Preservation Office granted clearance for the vessel's disposal in November 2006.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following a historical review process, the vessel received clearance for disposal from the Virginia State Historic Preservation Office on November 15, 2006.
The vessel, having completed its service life, was ultimately scrapped in Brownsville, Texas, in 2013.
Answer: True
Explanation: The vessel was ultimately scrapped on November 5, 2013, at Marine Metal Inc.'s recycling facility in Brownsville, Texas.
The vessel's eventual scrapping signifies the conclusion of its service life, following its transfer to MARAD and subsequent clearance for disposal.
Answer: True
Explanation: The vessel's eventual scrapping in Texas signifies the conclusion of its service life, occurring after its transfer to MARAD and subsequent clearance for disposal following a review of its historical significance.
MARAD's 2005 'Request for Comments' aimed to solicit input regarding the vessel's historical significance, not to find potential buyers.
Answer: True
Explanation: MARAD issued a 'Request for Comments' to solicit public input regarding the historical significance of the vessel, Vanguard, prior to its disposal.
When was the Vanguard definitively stricken from the Naval Vessel Register?
Answer: December 12, 1999
Explanation: The Vanguard was officially stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on December 12, 1999. Its duties were subsequently assumed by USNS Waters (T-AGS-45).
Which vessel assumed the duties of the Vanguard after it was stricken?
Answer: USNS Waters (T-AGS-45)
Explanation: The Vanguard was officially stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on December 12, 1999. Its duties were subsequently assumed by USNS Waters (T-AGS-45).
By which authority was the Vanguard granted clearance for disposal in November 2006?
Answer: The Virginia State Historic Preservation Office
Explanation: Following a historical review process, the vessel received clearance for disposal from the Virginia State Historic Preservation Office on November 15, 2006.
The Mission San Fernando class oilers had a full load displacement of approximately 21,880 long tons.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Mission Buenaventura-class oilers, such as the Mission San Fernando, possessed a light displacement of 5,532 long tons and a full load displacement of 21,880 long tons.
The Mission San Fernando measured 524 feet (160 meters) in length, with a beam of 68 feet (21 meters) and a draft of 30 feet (9.1 meters).
Answer: True
Explanation: The Mission San Fernando measured 524 feet (160 meters) in length, with a beam of 68 feet (21 meters) and a draft of 30 feet (9.1 meters).
The ship's propulsion system generated 6,000 horsepower (4.47 MW).
Answer: True
Explanation: The vessel was propelled by a turbo-electric system connected to a single screw, generating 6,000 horsepower (4.47 MW).
The maximum service speed attainable by the Mission San Fernando was 16.5 knots (equivalent to 30.6 km/h or 19.0 mph).
Answer: True
Explanation: The Mission San Fernando was capable of achieving a maximum service speed of 16.5 knots (equivalent to 30.6 km/h or 19.0 mph).
The typical complement for the vessel was approximately 52 individuals.
Answer: True
Explanation: The typical complement for the vessel was 52 individuals.
The Mission San Fernando was not equipped with defensive armament during its service life.
Answer: True
Explanation: No, the Mission San Fernando was not equipped with armament throughout its service life.
The IMO number 8835607 is associated with the vessel in its later configurations, not its early configuration as USS Mission San Fernando (AO-122).
Answer: True
Explanation: The IMO number listed for the vessel in its later configurations, including as Vanguard, was 8835607.
The inclusion of an IMO number suggests the vessel was registered within international maritime identification systems, not primarily used for recreational purposes.
Answer: True
Explanation: The inclusion of an IMO number, typically associated with commercial vessels, suggests that in its later operational phases, particularly as a government-owned entity potentially operated or tracked commercially, it was registered within international maritime identification systems.
What was the full load displacement of the Mission San Fernando class oiler?
Answer: 21,880 long tons
Explanation: The Mission Buenaventura-class oilers, such as the Mission San Fernando, possessed a light displacement of 5,532 long tons and a full load displacement of 21,880 long tons.
What was the maximum service speed of the Mission San Fernando?
Answer: 16.5 knots
Explanation: The Mission San Fernando was capable of achieving a maximum service speed of 16.5 knots (equivalent to 30.6 km/h or 19.0 mph).
Approximately how many personnel comprised the complement of the Mission San Fernando?
Answer: Exactly 52
Explanation: The typical complement for the vessel was 52 individuals.
Was the Mission San Fernando equipped with armament throughout its service life?
Answer: No, it was not equipped with any armament.
Explanation: No, the Mission San Fernando was not equipped with armament throughout its service life.
The reference to the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships suggests that a portion of the information presented is derived from official naval historical records.
Answer: True
Explanation: The reference to the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships indicates that a portion of the information presented regarding the ship's naval service originates from this official historical reference, implying a foundation in established naval records.
The ship's complex operational history encompassed service under the Maritime Commission, private charter, Navy commission, and MSTS operation, reflecting its multifaceted career.
Answer: True
Explanation: The text details a complex operational history, illustrating the ship's service under the Maritime Commission, charter to private entities, commissioning into the Navy as USS, transfer to MSTS as USNS, and subsequent reconfiguration for specialized roles, thereby demonstrating its extensive and varied service life.
The ship's role evolved from a fleet oiler to a missile tracking platform and subsequently to other specialized roles.
Answer: True
Explanation: The vessel transitioned from its initial role as a fleet oiler, responsible for fuel transport, to becoming a sophisticated missile-range instrumentation ship and subsequently a navigational test ship, equipped with advanced technology to support space missions and submarine navigation development.
Which of the following best describes the ship's evolution throughout its service?
Answer: From oiler to specialized instrumentation and testing vessel
Explanation: The vessel transitioned from its initial role as a fleet oiler, responsible for fuel transport, to becoming a sophisticated missile-range instrumentation ship and subsequently a navigational test ship, equipped with advanced technology to support space missions and submarine navigation development.