Function: The USNS Zeus (T-ARC 7), operated by Military Sealift Command, is a cable repair ship which transports, deploys, retrieves and repairs submarine cables. The USNS Zeus performs maintenance on the Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS) which is a network of strategically placed sonar sensors that provide early warning of submarines.





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 Zeus (T-ARC 7) was built specifically for the Navy; the ship can lay up to 1,000 miles of cable in depth of 9,000 feet during a single deployment before having to restock its cable supply. The USNS Zeus is the only active Cable Repair Ship in the U.S. Navy.





General Characteristics, USNS Zeus



Builders:

National Steel and Shipbuilding Co., San Diego, CA





Power Plant:

Diesel-electric, twin shaft, 10,200 shaft horsepower





Length, Overall:

513 feet (156.40 meters)







Beam:

73 feet (22.25 meters)





Displacement:

14,157 long tons (14,384.19 metric tons) full load





Speed:

15 knots (17.26 mph, 27.78 kph)





Crew:

51 civilians, 6 military and 32 scientists