USNS Pathfinder T-AGS the first of its class

The USNS PATHFINDER (T-AGS 60) is the first of four of a new class of oceanographic survey ships being constructed for the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO). The USNS PATHFINDER is operated by the Military Sealift Command and was delivered by Halter Marine Inc., of Moss Point, MS, in December 1994. This paper discusses the ship design features, mission survey systems, and testing of mission survey capability. Future enhancements under consideration are also discussed with respect to changes in the NAVOCEANO mission requirements.