Function: The USNS Hayes is one of 28 special missions ships operated by Military Sealift Command providing operating platforms and services for unique U.S. military requirements. Special missions ships work for several different U.S. Navy customers, such as the Naval Sea Systems Command, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command and the Oceanographer of the Navy.





History: The USNS Hayes was laid down Nov. 12, 1969; launched July 2, 1970, to the Ready Reserve on June 10, 1983 and transferred to James River (Maritime Administration) for lay-up in 1984 having been too costly to operate. Under FY86 program, the Hayes was converted to an Acoustic Research Ship; reclassified T-AG 195 and completed in early 1992 after five years' work in two shipyards.





Description: The USNS Hayes' mission is to transport, deploy and retrieve acoustic arrays, to conduct acoustic surveys in support of the submarine noise reduction program and to carry out acoustic testing. The catamaran design provides a stable platform with a large deck availability. The design also permits installation of a center-line well, with access to sheltered water between the hulls. The ship is equipped with two auxiliary propulsion diesel engines for use during acoustic operations, providing a creeping speed of 2-4 knots.





General Characteristics, USNS Hayes



Builders:

Todd Shipyards, Seattle, WA





Power Plant:

Diesel-electric; twoCaterpiller diesels, 3,620 horsepower sustained, two generators, two Westinghouse motors, 2,400 hp; two auxiliary diesels (for creep speed); 330 horsepower; two shafts, cp props





Length, Overall:

247 feet (72.29 meters)







Beam:

75 feet (22.86 meters)





Displacement:

3,952 long tons (4,015.42 metric tons) full load





Speed:

10 knots (11.5 mph, 18.52 kph)





Crew:

19 civilians, seven officers and 30 scientists