Function: Missile range instrumentation ship provides a platform for monitoring foreign missile launchers for SALT Treaty verification.





History: The USNS Observation Island was built as a "Mariner" class merchant ship; launched Aug. 15, 1953; and 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, and was placed in reserve from September 1972. On Aug. 18, 1977, the 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.





Description: The 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.



General Characteristics, USNS Observation Island



Builders:

New York Shipbuilding





Conversion:

Maryland Shipbuilding and Drydock Corporation





Power Plant:

Two boilers; one GE turbine; 19,250 hp (14.36 MW); one shaft





Length, Overall:

564 feet (171.91 meters)







Beam:

76 feet (23.16 meters)





Displacement:

13,060 long tons (13,269.59 metric tons) light; 17,015 tons (17,288.06 metric tons) full load





Speed:

20 knots (23 mph, 37.05 kph)





Crew:

65 civilians (20 officers, 35 technicians)