Description: USNS Hayes is one of Military Sealift Command's Special Mission Ships 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.
Features: 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
Background: USNS Hayes was laid down Nov. 12, 1969; launched July 2, 1970, sent 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, Hayes was converted to an Acoustic Survey Ship; reclassified T-AG 195 and completed in early 1992 after five years' work in two shipyards.
Point of Contact:
Office of Public Affairs
Military Sealift Command
Washington, D.C. 20398-5540
(202) 685-5055 or www.msc.navy.mil
Return to the Fact File Table of contents.