World Navies Today - Us Navy Fleet Support Auxiliaries

World Navies Today: US Navy Fleet Support Auxiliaries Revised 10 March 2003 Version 2.19 Compiled and Maintained by: Andrew Toppan World Navies Today Main Page: http://www.hazegray.org/worldnav/

This list includes all major USN auxiliaries which provide direct support services to the combatant fleet. Other auxiliaries, including special-mission and general support ships, minor auxiliaries and yard craft, and research & survey ships are listed separately. Ships not yet commissioned, or in long-term overhaul/conversion, are listed in italics. Navigation and surface-search radars are not listed. All classifications are purely unofficial and are based on an attempt to use standard classifications throughout all navies; they may or may not correspond to "official" designations. Where two dates are given (i.e. 1965/82), the first is the date of initial completion, and the second is the date of acquisition, conversion, or transfer. Designations given in (parentheses) are assigned but not displayed on the ship's hull. MSC-manned ships carry the prefix "USNS" with their names; all others are "USS". Chartered craft are M/V.

Ship types included: Joint Command Ships (LCC, AGF) Underway Replenishment Ships (AOE, AE, AFS, AKE, AO) Tenders, Tugs and Salvage Ships (AS, ARS, ATF) Ocean Surveillance Ships (AGOS)

Joint Command Ships Blue Ridge class joint command ships (2 ships)

Displacement: 19,600-19,700 tons full load Dimensions: 636.5 x 108 x 29 feet/194 x 33 x 8.8 meters Propulsion: 2 boilers, steam turbines, 1 shaft, 20,000 shp, 21 knots Crew: 785 (LCC 20: 716) + 253 flag + 209 troops/transients Radar: SPS-40E 2-D air search, SPS-48E 3-D air search EW: SLQ-32(V)3 intercept/jammer, Mk36 SRBOC decoy RL, SLQ-25A Nixie torpedo countermeasure Aviation: aft helicopter deck, no hangar Armament: 2 20mm Phalanx CIWS, 2 25mm Bushmaster low-angle, 4 12.7mm MG Concept/Program: Very large command ships, originally built as amphibious command ships but now employed as fleet/joint expeditionary force command ships. The Navy now refers to these ships as "LCC/JCC", indicating "Joint Command Ship". The JCC(X) program is a notional replacement for the existing LCCs and AGFs; 4 JCC(X) would be built, possibly based on the LPD 17 design. Builders: Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, PA and Newport News Shipbuilding, VA, respectively. Design: Use Iwo Jima class LPH hull, but with extensive internal and superstructure changes. Large, flat deck for antennas, with large midships superstructure and small aft helicopter pad. There have been extensive changes in their communications outfit, and 3"/50cal guns & Sea Sparrow missiles have been removed. Installation of two 21-cell RAM launchers is planned. Number LCC 19 LCC 20

Name Blue Ridge Mount Whitney

Year 1970/72 1971

FLT Homeport PAC Yokosuka, Japan ATL Norfolk

Group 7th Fleet 2nd Fleet

Notes

Coronado (modified Austin class) joint command ship

Displacement: 16,400 tons full load Dimensions: 568.75 x 84 x 23.5 feet/173.3 x 25.6 x 7 meters Propulsion: 2 boilers, steam turbines, 2 shafts, 24,000 shp, 21 knots Crew: 457 + 387 flag Radar: SPS-40E 2-D air search EW: SLQ-32(V)2 intercept, Mk36 SRBOC decoy RL, WLR-1H intercept Aviation: aft helicopter deck with hangar (49 x 18 x 17 feett/15.3 x 5.6 x 5.3 meters; telescopes to 75 x 18 x 17 feet/22.8 x 5.5 x 5 meters); 1 H-3 utility helicopter Armament: 2 20mm Phalanx CIWS, 2 12.7mm MG Concept/Program: Former LPD converted to the command role. Initially served as a temporary flagship with limited modification; later fully converted and was extensively upgraded in 1997 to become the most capable of the command ships. Reclassified from LPD 11 to AGF 11 in 1980. Builders: Lockheed SB & Construction, Seattle, WA; conversion by Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, PA. Design: The initial conversion was relatively limited, apparently including only existing flag and berthing areas, and topside modifications to accommodate additional antennas. The 1997 conversion included construction of command spaces in former well deck, additional berthing, and extensive shipboard electronics installations. The stern gate has been removed and the docking well permanently sealed. Number AGF 11

Name Coronado

Year 1970/80

FLT PAC

Homeport San Diego

Group 3rd Fleet

Notes

La Salle (modified Raleigh class) joint command ship Displacement: 13,600 tons full load Dimensions: 521.75 x 84 x 22 feet/159 x 25.6 x 6.7 meters Propulsion: 2 boilers, steam turbines, 2 shafts, 24,000 shp, 20 knots Crew: 455 + 138 flag Well Deck: 168 x 50 feet/51.2 x 15.2 meters; 1 barge/boat landing stage carried Radar: SPS-40E 2-D air search EW: SLQ-32(V)2 intercept, Mk36 SRBOC decoy RL, WLR-1H intercept Aviation: aft helicopter deck with hangar (47 x 18 x 19 feet/14.7 x 5.6 x 5.9 meters); 1 H-3 utility helo Armament: 2 20mm Phalanx CIWS, 2 25mm Bushmaster low-angle, 2 12.7mm MG Concept/Program: Former LPD converted to the command role, initially for the Persian Gulf and now as 6th Fleet Flagship. Redesignated from LPD 3 to AGF 3 in 1972. Builders: New York Naval Shipyard, NY; conversion by Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, PA. Design: Conversion included construction of command spaces in former troop spaces, extensive internal modifications, topside modifications to accommodate antennas, and construction of a helicopter hangar. The well deck was initially retained but now has been closed up and converted to command spaces. Underwent a major overhaul in 1993-1994. Number AGF 3

Name La Salle

Year 1964/72

FLT ATL

Homeport Gaeta, Italy

Group 6th Fleet

Notes

Underway Replenishment Ships Supply class fast multi-product replenishment ships (4 ships)

Displacement: 50,700 tons full load Dimensions: 754 x 107 x 39 feet/230 x 32.6 x 11.8 meters Propulsion: 4 LM2500 gas turbines, 2 shafts, 100,000 shp, 26+ knots Crew: 561-579 (660 maximum) (176 civilian + 59 Navy in AOE 6 & 8) Cargo: 156,000 barrels fuels, 1,800 tons munitions, 250 tons dry stores, 250 tons refrigerated stores Radar: Mk23 target acquisition Fire Control: 2 Mk91 NSSM guidance with Mk95 radars (none in AOE 6 & 8) EW: SLQ-32(V)3 intercept/jammer, Mk36 SRBOC decoy RL, SLQ-25 Nixie torpedo countermeasure (none in AOE 6 & 8) Aviation: aft helicopter deck with 2 hangars (52 x 19 x 18 feet/16.25 x 5.9 x 5.6 meters); 2 UH-46 helicopters Armament: 1 Mk29 8-cell NATO Sea Sparrow, 2 20mm Phalanx CIWS, 2 25mm Bushmaster low-angle, 4 12.7mm MG (none in AOE 6 & 8) Concept/Program: A new class of fast replenishment ships, intended to operate with carrier battle groups in combat areas. These ships are now being transferred to MSC operation. Builders: NASSCO, San Diego, CA. Design: Based on Sacramento (AOE 1) design, but with major changes: all new propulsion systems, new topside arrangements, different weapons arrangement, updated UNREP gear, Level III collective protection against CBR attack. Construction was muchdelayed by propulsion system problems. The problems appear to have been resolved and some reports indicate these vessels are capable of 30+ knots. Number T-AOE 6 AOE 7 T-AOE 8 AOE 10

Name Supply Rainier Arctic Bridge

Year 1994 1994 1995 1998

FLT ATL PAC ATL PAC

Homeport Earle, NJ Bremerton Earle, NJ Bremerton

Group LogRon2 -LogRon2 --

Notes

Sacramento class fast multi-product replenishment ships (4 ships)

Displacement: 50,000-53,000 tons full load Dimensions: 794 x 107 x 38 feet/242 x 32.6 x 11.5 meters Propulsion: 4 boilers, steam turbines, 2 shafts, 100,000 shp, 26 knots Crew: 636-755 Cargo: 156,000 barrels fuels, 2,100 tons munitions, 250 tons dry stores, 250 tons refrigerated stores Radar: Mk23 target acquisition Fire Control: Mk 91 NSSM guidance with Mk95 radars EW: SLQ-32(V)3 intercept/jammer, Mk36 SRBOC decoy RL, SLQ-25 Nixie torpedo countermeasure Aviation: aft helicopter deck with 3 hangars (52 x 19 x 18 feet/16.25 x 5.9 x 5.6 meters); 2 UH-46 helicopters Armament: 1 Mk29 8-cell NATO Sea Sparrow, 2 20mm Phalanx CIWS, 4 12.7mm MG Concept/Program: Large, fast replenishment ships meant for operation with carrier battle groups in combat areas. Although it has been reported that the weapons systems would be deactivated or removed, they have been retained operational. These ships are elderly and in need of replacement. The new T-AKE class ships are intended to replace these vessels, but their poor condition will force early retirement without immediate replacements. Builders: Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, WA, except AOE 2 by New York SB, Camden, NJ. Number AOE 1 AOE 2 AOE 3 AOE 4

Name Sacramento Camden Seattle Detroit

Year 1964 1967 1969 1970

FLT PAC PAC ATL ATL

Homeport Bremerton Bremerton Norfolk Earle, NJ

Group --LogRon2 LogRon2

Notes

Lewis and Clark class multi-product replenishment ships (0+12 ships) Displacement: 41,00 tons full load Dimensions: 689 x 106 x 29.5 feet/210 x 32.2 x 18 meters Propulsion: Diesel-electric, 1 shaft, 31,500 bhp, 20 knots Crew: 123 civilian + 49 Navy + 37 transients Cargo: 8,391 tons dry cargo, 18,000 barrels fuel Aviation: aft helicopter deck with 2 hangars; 2 MH-60 helicopters Concept/Program: A new class to replace the existing AE/AFS types and the AOE 1 class. Ships will carry all types of dry cargo and limited cargo fuel; they will be much larger than the existing AE/AFS ships. To replace the AOEs, each ship will operate with a T-AO 187 class ship. The contract for design and construction of three ships has been awarded, with options for 9 more ships. The ships will be civilian-manned, operated by MSC. The program was formerly known as T-ADC(X). Builders: NASSCO, San Diego, CA. Number T-AKE 1 T-AKE 2 T-AKE 3 T-AKE 4 T-AKE 5 T-AKE 6 T-AKE 7 T-AKE 8 T-AKE 9 T-AKE 10 T-AKE 11 T-AKE 12

Name Lewis and Clark Sacagawea

Year FLT Homeport

Group

Notes Ordered Ordered Ordered Option Option Option Option Option Option Option Option Option

Kilauea class ammunition ships (4 ships)

Displacement: 18,600-20,000 tons tons full load Dimensions: 563 x 81 x 28 feet/171.6 x 24.6 x 8.5 meters Propulsion: 3 boilers, 1 shaft, 22,000 shp, 20 knots Crew: 125 civilan + 24 naval Cargo: 6,500 tons munitions Aviation: aft helicopter deck with 2 hangars (50 x 16 x 17 feet/15.6 x 5 x 5.3 meters); 2 UH-46 helicopters Concept/Program: These are large, highly capable ammunition ships. They have been transferred to MSC operation, including a major overhaul to convert them for civilian manning. AE 29 was discarded instead of being transferred to MSC. AE 27 & AE 28 were laid up upon assignment to MSC, and have not undergone the conversion overhaul; AE 27 is in Category B reserve and AE 28 is nominally in 90-day recall Reduced Operating Status. T-AE 26 was placed in reduced operating status 10/2001. All of these ships will be replaced by the T-AKE class. Builders: Ingalls SB, Pascagoula, MS. Design: Superstructure-aft ships with UNREP gear forward; helicopter deck aft. Limited capability for fuel replenishment. For MSC service their accomodations were upgraded, and weapons, radars, EW systems, etc., were removed. Number T-AE 32 T-AE 33 T-AE 34 T-AE 35

Name Flint Shasta Mount Baker Kiska

Year 1971/95 1972/97 1972/96 1972/96

FLT PAC PAC ATL PAC

Homeport (none) (none) (none) (none)

Group MSC Far East MSC Pacific MSC Europe MSC Pacific

Mars class stores ships (3 ships)

Displacement: 17,300 tons full load Dimensions: 580 x 79 x 24 feet/176.7 x 24 x 7.3 meters

Notes

Propulsion: 3 boilers, steam turbines, 1 shaft, 22,000 shp, 20 knots Crew: 124 civilian + 49 Navy Cargo: 7,000 tons stores & provisions Aviation: aft helicopter deck with hangar (51 x 23 feet/15.9 x 5.2 meters); 2 UH-46 helicopters Concept/Program: Survivors of the last 7 USN-built stores ships, they supply general stores and spares support to the fleet. All have now been transferred to MSC for operation and have undergone conversion overhauls. AFS 2 and AFS 4 were discarded instead of being transferred to MSC; AFS 1 and AFS 6 were transferred to MSC but have been deactivated. All of these ships will be replaced by the T-AKE class. Builders: NASSCO, San Diego, CA Design: Superstructure-midships ships with UNREP gear forward and aft; helicopter deck aft. Limited capability for fuel replenishment. For MSC service their accomodations were upgraded, and weapons, radars, EW systems, etc., were removed. Number T-AFS 3 T-AFS 5 T-AFS 7

Name Niagara Falls Concord San Jose

Year 1967/94 1968/92 1970/93

FLT PAC PAC PAC

Homeport (none) (none) (none)

Group MSC Central MSC Far East MSC Far East

Notes

Sirius (RFA Lyness) class stores ships (3 ships)

Displacement: 16,800 tons full load Dimensions: 523 x 72 x 25.5 feet/159.4 x 21.9 x 7.7 meters Propulsion: 1 diesel, 1 shaft, 12,700 bhp, 19 knots Crew: 107 civilian + 71 naval Cargo: 3,665 tons stores & provisions Aviation: aft helicopter deck with 2 hangars; 2 UH-46 helicopters Concept/Program: Former Royal Navy stores ships acquired 1981-1983 to support increased USN operations in the Indian Ocean. They now make up half the USN AFS force. All are MSC-operated. Will be replaced by the T-AKE class. Builders: Swan Hunter & Wighman Richardson, Wallsend-on-Tyne, UK. History: Formerly RFA Lyness, Tarbarness and Stromness, respectively.

Design: Modifications for US service have included helicopter hangars, new data and communications systems, etc. All RN spares for the class were purchased in 1983. They have undergone major overhauls/upgrades in US service. Number T-AFS 8 T-AFS 9 T-AFS 10

Name Sirius Spica Saturn

Year 1966/81 1967/81 1966/83

FLT ATL ATL ATL

Homeport (none) (none) (none)

Group MSC Europe MSC Europe MSC Atlantic

Notes

Henry J. Kaiser class fleet oilers (13 ships)

Displacement: 40,700-42,000 tons full load Dimensions: 677.5 x 97.5 x 36 feet/206.5 x 29.7 x 11 meters Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 32,540 bhp, 20 knots Crew: 96 civilian + 23 naval Cargo: 180,000 barrels fuel, 25,000 gallons lube oil, 105,000 gallons potable water, 88,000 gallons boiler feed water Aviation: aft helicopter deck Concept/Program: USN's sole fleet oilers; they have replaced all previous AOs. Two ships were cancelled when nearly complete (AO 191, 192). Three were taken out of service, but one has been reactivated (AO 189) with two remaining in reserve (AO 188, 190). One additional unit is in Reduced Operating Status (ROS) with the Afloat Prepositioning Force (AO 187). Several others were temporarily placed in reduced operating status, but have now returned to service to replace the AO 177 class ships. Builders: Avondale SY, New Orleans. Design: Typical small tanker design, helicopter deck aft; limited solid-stores replenishment capability. AO 201, 203, 204 were modified while building to become the first double-hull USN tankers, delaying their completion. Number T-AO 189 T-AO 193 T-AO 194 T-AO 195 T-AO 196

Name John Lenthall, Jr. Walter S. Diehl John Ericsson Leroy Grumman Kanawha

Year 1987 1988 1991 1989 1991

FLT ATL PAC PAC ATL ATL

Homeport (none) (none) (none) (none) (none)

Group MSC Atlantic MSC Far East MSC Pacific MSC Atlantic MSC Europe

Notes

T-AO 197 T-AO 198 T-AO 199 T-AO 200 T-AO 201 T-AO 202 T-AO 203 T-AO 204

Pecos Big Horn Tippecanoe Guadalupe Patuxent Yukon Laramie Rappahannock

1990 1992 1993 1992 1995 1994 1996 1995

PAC ATL PAC PAC ATL PAC ATL PAC

(none) (none) (none) (none) (none) (none) (none) (none)

MSC Pacific MSC Europe MSC Far East MSC Pacific MSC Europe MSC Central MSC Atlantic MSC Far East

Disposal Note: All Suribachi/Nitro class AEs have been discardd; all stores ships (AF) have been discarded; all Cimarron (AO 177), Neosho, Mispillion and Cimarron (T3) class oilers have been discarded. All AORs have been discarded.

Tenders, Tugs and Salvage Ships Emory S. Land class submarine tenders/repair ships (2 ships)

Displacement: 22,800-22,900 tons full load Dimensions: 645 x 85 x 25.5 feet/196.6 x 25.9 x 7.8 meters Propulsion: 2 boilers, steam turbines, 1 shaft, 20,000 shp, 18 knots Crew: 1325-1350 Armament: 2 25mm Bushmaster low-angle, 4 12.7mm MG Concept/Program: Large, modern, highly capable submarine tenders; the last such ships built for USN service. AS 39 is Homeported in Italy as the 6th Fleet station tender; AS 40 is the Guam station tender. Both ships now undertake repair work for surface ships as well as submarines. Sister AS 41 is laid up in reserve. Builders: Lockheed SB & Construction, Seattle, WA. Number AS 39 AS 40

Name Emory S. Land Frank Cable

Year FLT Homeport 1979 ATL La Maddalena, Italy 1980 PAC Guam

Group ---

Notes

Safeguard class salvage tugs (4 ships)

Displacement: 3,200-3,300 tons full load Dimensions: 255 x 51 x 15.5 feet/77.7 x 15.5 x 4.7 meters Propulsion: 4 diesels, 2 shafts, 4,200 bhp, 13.5 knots Crew: 105-110 Armament: 2 12.7mm MG Concept/Program: Large, highly capable salvage tugs, capable of all types of salvage & ocean towing; equipped to operate ROVs for undersea search. 65.5 ton bollard pull, 360 ton pull with beach extraction gear, 150 ton deadlift. These are the last USN salvage tugs, but are supplemented by the ATFs and chartered ships in the salvage and fleet support role. Builders: Peterson Builders, Sturgeon Bay, WI. Number ARS 50 ARS 51 ARS 52 ARS 53

Name Safeguard Grasp Salvor Grapple

Year 1985 1985 1986 1986

FLT PAC ATL PAC ATL

Homeport Sasebo, Japan Little Creek Pearl Harbor Little Creek

Group -LogRon2 NavSurfGruMidPac LogRon2

Powhatan class fleet tugs (5 ships)

Displacement: 2,260 tons full load Dimensions: 240 x 42 x 15 feet/73 x 12.8 x 4.6 meters

Notes

Propulsion: 2 diesels, diesel-electric, 2 shafts, 4,500 shp, 15 knots Crew: 16 civilan + 4 Navy + 20 transients Concept/Program: General-purpose ocean tugs; the design is based on commercial oilfield support tugs. Are now being fitted with limited salvage/rescue capabilities to supplement the small surviving ARS force. Two sisters (ATF 166, 167) have been deactivated; one is on commercial lease and the other is used by another branch of the Navy. Builders: Marinette Marine, WI. Number T-ATF 168 T-ATF 169 T-ATF 170 T-ATF 171 T-ATF 172

Name Catawaba Navajo Mohawk Sioux Apache

Year 1980 1980 1980 1981 1981

FLT PAC PAC ATL PAC ATL

Homeport (none) (none) (none) (none) (none)

Group MSC Central MSC Pacific MSC Atlantic MSC Pacific MSC Europe

Notes

Disposal Note: All destroyer tenders (AD), repair ships (AR), salvage and rescue tugs (ATS), and submarine rescue ships (ASR) have been decommissioned. Two of the destroyer tenders (AD 38, AD 42) and two submarine tenders (AS 33, AS 41) are in reserve. All WWII-era salvage ships (ARS) and fleet tugs (ATF) have been stricken.

Ocean Surveillance Ships Impeccable ocean surveillance ship Displacement: 5,368 tons full load Dimensions: 281.5 x 95.75 x 26 feet/85.8 x 29 x 7.9 meters Propulsion: 4 diesels, diesel-electric, 2 shafts, 5,000 shp, 12 knots Crew: 41 civilian Sonar: UQQ-2 SURTASS towed surveillance sonar array, WQT-2 low frequency array towed sonar array Concept/Program: An enlarged SWATH surveillance ship intended for operation in severe ocean conditions. The program has been extensively delayed by shipyard problems, and the remaining four ships of the program (AGOS 24-27) will not be constructed. Although delivered in 2001, this ship will not be operational until 2004. This is the largest SWATH ship ever constructed. Builders: Halter Marine, Gulfport, MS; some components by American SB, Tampa, FL prior to cancellation of original contract. Number (T-AGOS 23)

Name Impeccable

Year 2001

FLT

Homeport

Group

Notes

Victorious class ocean surveillance ships (4 ships)

Displacement: 3,370 tons full load Dimensions: 234.5 x 93.5 x 25 feet/71.5 x 28.5 x 7.6 meters Propulsion: 4 diesels, diesel-electric, 2 shafts, 3,200 shp, 16 knots Crew: 25 civilian Sonar: UQQ-2 SURTASS towed surveillance sonar array Concept/Program: A class of four SWATH surveillance ships, intended for service in northern latitudes. These were the first operational SWATH ships in any navy. Builders: McDermott, Morgan City, LA. Number (T-AGOS 19)

Name Victorious

Year FLT Homeport 1991 PAC (none)

Group MSC Far East

Notes

(T-AGOS 20) (T-AGOS 21) (T-AGOS 22)

Able Effective Loyal

1992 1993 1993

ATL (none) PAC (none) ATL (none)

MSC Europe MSC Pacific MSC Europe

Stalwart class ocean surveillance ships (3 ships)

Displacement: 2,285 tons full load Dimensions: 224 x 43 x 15 feet/68.3 x 13 x 4.6 meters Propulsion: 4 diesels, diesel-electric, 2 shafts, 3,200 shp, 11 knots Crew: 24 civilian Sonar: UQQ-2 SURTASS towed surveillance sonar array Concept/Program: Conventional-hull SURTASS surveillance ships, with the same hull as the Powhatan class tugs. 18 ships of this class were completed; only these three remain in service in their original role. Three serve as as counter-narcotics patrol/surveillance ships and one as a missile tracking ship. Two were transferred to USCG as patrol ships but have been deactivated; one of these was transferred to NOAA. Three other ships were transferred to NOAA (for a total of four), two to Portugal, one each to the US Merchant Marine Academy, US Geologic Survey (then to US Army), and New Zealand. Builders: Tacoma Boatbuilding, WA. Number (T-AGOS 8) (T-AGOS 9) (T-AGOS 12)

Name Prevail Assertive Bold

Year 1986 1986 1989

FLT ATL PAC ATL

Homeport (none) (none) (none)

Group MSC Atlantic MSC Pacific MSC Atlantic

Notes

Cory Chouest ocean surveillance ship

Displacement: approx. 3,900 tons full load Dimensions: 266 x 59 x 14 feet/81 x 18 x 4.3 meters Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 4,000 bhp, 13.75 knots Crew: approx. 30

Sonar: UQQ-2 SURTASS towed surveillance sonar array, WQT-2 low frequency array towed sonar array Concept/Program: Former oilfield support tug chartered and extensively converted to conduct trials with SURTASS and Low Frequency Active (LFA) towed sonar array. Was employed to test and deploy the LFA sonar prior to completion of T-AGOS 23. Builders: Ulstein Hatlo, Ulsteinvik, Norway. Number --

Name Cory Chouest

Year 1974/91

FLT Homeport PAC Pearl Harbor

Group MSC Pacific

Notes

Compiled and maintained by Andrew Toppan. Copyright © 1997-2003, Andrew Toppan. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction, reuse, or distribution without permission is prohibited.