What was the initial designation and classification of the vessel before its naval service?

The vessel was initially designated SS Mission San Fernando and was classified as a Type T2-SE-A2 tanker, built for the United States Maritime Commission during World War II.

To which specific class of oilers did the USNS Mission San Fernando belong?

The USNS Mission San Fernando belonged to the Mission Buenaventura-class of oilers. This class comprised numerous ships built during World War II.

For whom was the USNS Mission San Fernando named?

The ship was named in honor of Mission San Fernando Rey de Espa a, a historic Spanish mission located in Los Angeles.

Which shipyard was responsible for constructing the Mission San Fernando, and in what location?

The Mission San Fernando was constructed by the Marinship Corporation, located in Sausalito, California.

What were the key dates for the construction and delivery of the Mission San Fernando?

The Mission San Fernando was laid down on August 26, 1943, launched on November 25, 1943, and delivered on February 29, 1944.

Who initially operated the SS Mission San Fernando after its delivery, and what was its primary mission?

After its delivery, the SS Mission San Fernando was chartered to Pacific Tankers, Inc. for operations. Its primary mission during the remainder of World War II was to transport fuel to Allied forces in the western Pacific Ocean.

What commendations did the SS Mission San Fernando receive for its service during World War II?

During its wartime service, the SS Mission San Fernando was awarded the Battle Efficiency Award twice and also received the National Defense Service Medal.

When and where was the SS Mission San Fernando initially laid up after its wartime service concluded?

Following the war, the SS Mission San Fernando was returned to the Maritime Commission on May 10, 1946, and subsequently laid up in the Reserve Fleet located at Olympia, Washington.

When did the United States Navy first acquire the Mission San Fernando, and what was its designation?

The United States Navy acquired the ship on October 21, 1947. It was designated as USS Mission San Fernando (AO-122) and initially chartered to the Union Oil Company for operations under the Naval Transportation Service.

How did the ship's designation and service name evolve upon its transfer to the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS)?

On October 1, 1949, the tanker was transferred to the operational control of the newly formed Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS). Its designation was changed to USNS Mission San Fernando (T-AO-122), indicating its status as a United States Naval Ship operated by MSTS.

When was the Mission San Fernando first removed from service and laid up in the Maritime Reserve Fleet?

The ship was taken out of MSTS service on May 24, 1955, returned to the Maritime Administration, and laid up in the Maritime Reserve Fleet at Olympia, Washington. It was officially struck from the Naval Vessel Register on June 22, 1955.

Describe the ship's second period of service with MSTS after its initial removal from service.

The Navy reacquired the ship on June 21, 1956, and placed it back into service with MSTS. During this period, it was operated under charter by Marine Transportation Lines. This service ended on September 4, 1957, when it was returned to the Maritime Administration and laid up in the Reserve Fleet at James River, Virginia.

What significant structural modification was made to the ship during its modernization in 1964?

When reacquired by the Navy in September 1964 for modernization, the ship's length was significantly increased by 80 feet (24.4 meters) at the General Dynamics Quincy Shipbuilding Division.

What was the ship renamed and reclassified as during its conversion into a missile-range instrumentation ship?

During its conversion, the ship was renamed Muscle Shoals and reclassified, receiving the hull classification symbol AGM-19, indicating its new role as a missile range instrumentation ship.

When did the ship receive its final name, and what was its designation as a tracking ship?

The ship was renamed Vanguard on September 1, 1965. It was placed in service with MSTS on February 28, 1966, as USNS Vanguard (T-AGM-19).

What was the primary function of the USNS Vanguard (T-AGM-19) after its conversion?

As a missile-range instrumentation ship, USNS Vanguard served as a seagoing missile tracking station. It was equipped with specialized radar and telemetry antennas for this purpose.

Which significant space exploration and joint international programs did the USNS Vanguard participate in?

USNS Vanguard participated in the test series for the Apollo Project, supported the Skylab program, and was involved in the joint US/Soviet Apollo-Soyuz Test Project.

What changes were made to the Vanguard in September 1980, and how did its role shift?

In September 1980, the large missile tracking antennas were removed, and the ship was reconfigured. Its role shifted from missile tracking to serving as a Navigational Test Ship, checking submarine navigation systems.

What was the ship's hull classification symbol after its 1980 reconfiguration?

Following its reconfiguration in September 1980, the ship was reclassified and assigned the hull symbol T-AG-194.

Which submarine missile systems did the Vanguard support during its later service as a Navigational Test Ship?

As a Navigational Test Ship, the Vanguard steamed over 250,000 miles in support of the navigation subsystems for the Poseidon and Trident I missiles, and was involved in the development of the Trident II navigation subsystem.

When was the Vanguard finally stricken from the Naval Vessel Register, and what vessel replaced it?

The Vanguard was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on December 12, 1999. It was replaced in its duties by USNS Waters (T-AGS-45).

Where and when was the USNS Mission San Fernando (later Vanguard) ultimately scrapped?

The ship was scrapped on November 5, 2013, at Marine Metal Inc.'s recycle facility located in Brownsville, Texas.

What were the light and full load displacements of the Mission San Fernando class oiler?

The Mission Buenaventura-class oilers, including the Mission San Fernando, had a light displacement of 5,532 long tons and a full load displacement of 21,880 long tons.

What were the principal dimensions of the Mission San Fernando in terms of length, beam, and draft?

The Mission San Fernando measured 524 feet (160 meters) in length, had a beam of 68 feet (21 meters), and a draft of 30 feet (9.1 meters).

Describe the propulsion system and its power output for the Mission San Fernando.

The ship was propelled by a turbo-electric system driving a single screw. This system generated 6,000 horsepower (4.47 MW).

What was the maximum service speed of the Mission San Fernando?

The Mission San Fernando was capable of a maximum speed of 16.5 knots, which is equivalent to 30.6 kilometers per hour or 19.0 miles per hour.

How many personnel typically comprised the complement of the Mission San Fernando?

The typical complement for the ship was 52 individuals.

Was the Mission San Fernando equipped with any armament during its service?

No, the Mission San Fernando was not equipped with any armament during its service life.

What was the hull classification symbol assigned to the ship when it served as an oiler under MSTS?

When serving as an oiler under MSTS, the ship's hull classification symbol was T-AO-122.

What was the IMO number associated with the vessel in its later configuration as Vanguard?

The IMO number listed for the vessel in its later configuration (as Vanguard) was 8835607.

What was the operator of the USNS Mission San Fernando when it was under the control of the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) after October 1, 1949?

After transferring to MSTS on October 1, 1949, the USNS Mission San Fernando was operated by the Union Oil Company.

What was the operator of the USNS Mission San Fernando during its second period of service with MSTS after being reacquired by the Navy on June 21, 1956?

During its second period of service with MSTS, following its reacquisition by the Navy on June 21, 1956, the ship was operated under charter by Marine Transportation Lines.

What was the operator of the USNS Vanguard (T-AGM-19) when it was in service with MSTS after February 28, 1966?

After being placed in service as USNS Vanguard (T-AGM-19) on February 28, 1966, the ship was operated by the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS).

What was the operator of the USNS Vanguard (T-AG-194) when it was in service as a Navigational Test Ship after September 1980?

Following its reconfiguration and reclassification in September 1980, the vessel continued its service under the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) as T-AG-194.

What was the purpose of the image caption 'USNS Mission San Fernando'?

The caption 'USNS Mission San Fernando' accompanied the primary photograph of the vessel, identifying it in its configuration as a United States Naval Ship oiler.

What information did the image caption for the Vanguard provide about its appearance and role?

The caption for the image of the Vanguard stated that it was seen as a NASA Skylab tracking ship and noted the presence of SatCom tracking radar and telemetry antennas, highlighting its specialized equipment for space program support.

What context did the image caption for the Muscle Shoals provide?

The image caption for the Muscle Shoals indicated that the vessel was nearing completion and was photographed while in a dry dock at Quincy, Massachusetts, during its conversion.

What does the text imply about the ship's operational history across different naval and maritime organizations?

The text details a complex operational history, showing the ship serving under the Maritime Commission, chartered to private companies, commissioned into the Navy as USS, transferred to MSTS as USNS, and later reconfigured for specialized roles, demonstrating its long and varied service life.

How did the ship's role evolve from an oiler to a specialized tracking and testing vessel?

The ship transitioned from its initial role as a fleet oiler, transporting fuel, to becoming a sophisticated missile-range instrumentation ship and later a navigational test ship, equipped with advanced technology to support space missions and submarine navigation development.

What does the ship's eventual scrapping signify about its end-of-life process?

The ship's eventual scrapping in Texas signifies the final stage of its service life, following its transfer to MARAD and clearance for disposal after a review of its historical significance.

What was the significance of the ship being laid up in the Reserve Fleet at Olympia, Washington, on two separate occasions?

Being laid up in the Reserve Fleet at Olympia, Washington, on two occasions indicates periods where the ship was taken out of active service but maintained in a state of readiness or awaiting future assignment or disposal by the Maritime Administration.

What was the purpose of reclassifying the ship multiple times throughout its service life?

The multiple reclassifications (from AO to T-AO, then to AGM, and finally to AG) reflect significant changes in the ship's mission and operational role, adapting it from a basic oiler to a specialized tracking and testing platform.

What does the inclusion of the IMO number suggest about the vessel's later operational status?

The inclusion of an IMO number, typically used for commercial vessels, suggests that in its later roles, particularly as a government-owned but potentially commercially operated or tracked vessel, it was registered within international maritime identification systems.

How did the ship's length change during its conversion to a missile-range instrumentation ship?

During its conversion into a missile-range instrumentation ship, the ship's length was extended by 80 feet (24.4 meters).

What was the purpose of the 'Request for Comments' issued by MARAD in 2005?

MARAD issued a 'Request for Comments' to solicit public input on the historical significance of the vessel, Vanguard, before proceeding with its disposal.

What does the reference to the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships imply about the source of information?

The mention of the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships indicates that a portion of the information presented about the ship's naval service is derived from this official historical reference, suggesting a basis in established naval records.

What was the significance of the ship being reacquired by the Navy on three separate occasions?

The ship being reacquired by the Navy on three distinct dates (October 21, 1947; June 21, 1956; and September 28, 1964) highlights its extended and varied service life, involving periods of private operation, reserve status, and reactivation for specialized naval or MSTS roles.

What does the hull symbol T-AG-194 signify about the ship's role in its final operational phase?

The hull symbol T-AG-194 indicates that in its final operational phase, the ship served as a miscellaneous auxiliary (T-AG) vessel, specifically functioning as a Navigational Test Ship.

Usns Mission San Fernando Wiki: Naval Heritage: The Saga of USNS Mission San Fernando

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Vessel Overview

A Multi-Role Maritime Asset

The Mission San Fernando, initially designated SS Mission San Fernando, was a Type T2-SE-A2 tanker constructed during World War II for the United States Maritime Commission. As a member of the Mission Buenaventura-class oiler, her primary role was the transportation of vital fuel supplies to Allied forces. Her service life, however, extended far beyond this initial purpose, encompassing multiple reclassifications and significant technological roles.

Construction and Class

Built by the Marinship Corporation in Sausalito, California, the vessel was laid down on August 26, 1943, and launched on November 25, 1943. She was delivered on February 29, 1944. The Type T2-SE-A2 tanker design was a robust and widely produced standard ship type during the war, optimized for reliability and capacity in demanding operational environments.

Naming Convention

The ship was initially named after the historic Mission San Fernando Rey de España, reflecting a common practice of naming vessels after significant landmarks or historical sites. Throughout her career, she would bear several other notable names, including Muscle Shoals and Vanguard, each reflecting her evolving operational duties.

Wartime Service and Early Transfers

World War II Operations

Following her delivery in early 1944, the SS Mission San Fernando was chartered to Pacific Tankers, Inc. She played a critical role in the Pacific theater, transporting fuel to support Allied naval operations. During this period, her crew demonstrated exceptional performance, earning the Battle Efficiency Award twice and the National Defense Service Medal, underscoring her contribution to the war effort.

Transition to Naval Control

After the war concluded, the vessel was returned to the U.S. Maritime Commission on May 10, 1946, and placed in the Reserve Fleet at Olympia, Washington. Her active service continued when she was acquired by the U.S. Navy on October 21, 1947, becoming USS Mission San Fernando (AO-122). Initially operated under charter by the Union Oil Company for the Naval Transportation Service, she soon transitioned to a new operational command.

Military Sea Transportation Service

On October 1, 1949, with the establishment of the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS), the ship was placed under its operational control and redesignated USNS Mission San Fernando (T-AO-122). This marked a shift towards a more integrated, joint-service logistical support role. She continued her duties until May 24, 1955, when she was returned to the Maritime Administration and laid up once more in the reserve fleet at Olympia.

Technical Specifications & Modifications

Hull and Propulsion

As a Mission Buenaventura-class oiler, the Mission San Fernando was built to a standardized design. Her specifications included:

Displacement: Approximately 5,532 long tons (light) and 21,880 long tons (full).
Dimensions: Length of 524 feet (160 meters), beam of 68 feet (21 meters), and a draft of 30 feet (9.1 meters).
Propulsion: Turbo-electric drive, single screw, generating 6,000 horsepower (4.47 MW).
Speed: Capable of 16.5 knots (30.6 km/h; 19.0 mph).
Complement: Typically 52 personnel.
Armament: None specified, indicating a purely logistical role during her initial service.

Major Rebuild and Conversion

A significant transformation occurred in 1964 when the vessel was reacquired by the Navy and underwent extensive modernization by General Dynamics Quincy Shipbuilding Division. This rebuild included an increase in her length by 80 feet (24.4 meters). This substantial modification prepared her for a new era of service, moving beyond her original tanker role.

Evolving Roles: From Oiler to Scientific Platform

Missile Range Instrumentation

Following her extensive rebuild in 1964, the ship was reclassified and renamed. Initially serving as USNS Muscle Shoals (AGM-19), named after Muscle Shoals, Alabama, she was soon renamed USNS Vanguard (T-AGM-19) on September 1, 1965. Placed in service with MSTS on February 28, 1966, she became a crucial seagoing missile tracking station. Her advanced instrumentation supported critical national programs, including the Apollo Project test series.

Supporting Space Exploration

The Vanguard played a vital role in the early days of space exploration. She participated in the Skylab program, providing essential tracking and telemetry support. Furthermore, she contributed to the joint US/Soviet Apollo–Soyuz Test Project, a landmark mission of détente and international cooperation in space, highlighting her adaptability and importance in complex scientific endeavors.

Navigational Test Ship

In September 1980, the Vanguard underwent further reconfiguration. Her large missile tracking antennas were removed, and she was reclassified as T-AG-194. Her mission shifted to that of a Navigational Test Ship. In this capacity, she was instrumental in testing and validating submarine navigation systems, including crucial support for the development and deployment of Poseidon and Trident I and II ballistic missile navigation subsystems. She steamed over 250,000 miles in this vital, albeit less visible, role.

End of Service and Disposal

Final Years and Decommissioning

After decades of dedicated service across multiple roles, USNS Vanguard (T-AG-194) was replaced by USNS Waters (T-AGS-45) and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register for the final time on December 12, 1999. Her long career, spanning from World War II logistics to cutting-edge space and naval technology support, demonstrated remarkable longevity and adaptability.

Disposal Process

Following her decommissioning, the vessel was transferred to the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) on November 29, 2001. MARAD initiated a process to assess her historical significance, soliciting public comments in March 2005. After review, the ship was cleared for disposal by the Virginia State Historic Preservation Office on November 15, 2006. The hull was ultimately scrapped on November 5, 2013, at Marine Metal Inc. in Brownsville, Texas, concluding her operational life.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Usns Mission San Fernando" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about usns_mission_san_fernando while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

martin luther

girona–costa brava airport

bacha khan international airport

the fox and the hound

isidoro chiari

illegal aliens library of congress subject heading

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the USNS Mission San Fernando Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While efforts have been made to ensure fidelity to the source material, the AI's interpretation and presentation may introduce nuances not present in the original.

This is not professional maritime, naval, or historical advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for expert consultation regarding naval history, ship specifications, or historical research. Always consult with qualified professionals and primary sources for definitive information. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Naval Heritage: The Saga of USNS Mission San Fernando

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Vessel Overview ℹ️

🚢 A Multi-Role Maritime Asset

🏗️ Construction and Class

⚓ Naming Convention

Wartime Service and Early Transfers 📅

⚔️ World War II Operations

🏛️ Transition to Naval Control

🌊 Military Sea Transportation Service

Technical Specifications & Modifications 📏

📐 Hull and Propulsion

🔧 Major Rebuild and Conversion

Evolving Roles: From Oiler to Scientific Platform 🛰️

🚀 Missile Range Instrumentation

🌌 Supporting Space Exploration

🛥️ Navigational Test Ship

End of Service and Disposal 🔨

⏳ Final Years and Decommissioning

♻️ Disposal Process

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Vessel Overview

A Multi-Role Maritime Asset

Construction and Class

Naming Convention

Wartime Service and Early Transfers

World War II Operations

Transition to Naval Control

Military Sea Transportation Service

Technical Specifications & Modifications

Hull and Propulsion

Major Rebuild and Conversion

Evolving Roles: From Oiler to Scientific Platform

Missile Range Instrumentation

Supporting Space Exploration

Navigational Test Ship

End of Service and Disposal

Final Years and Decommissioning

Disposal Process

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice