Description:Missile range instrumentation, navigation test support ships provide platforms for monitoring foreign missile launchers for SALT Treaty verification and supporting submarine navigation system testing and ballistic missile flight tests. 
Description:Missile range instrumentation, navigation test support ships provide platforms for monitoring foreign missile launchers for SALT Treaty verification and supporting submarine navigation system testing and ballistic missile flight tests.
Features: USNS Observation Island operates worldwide, monitoring compliance with strategic arms treaties and supporting U.S. military weapons test programs. USNS Invincible provides a platform for a dual-band radar developed by the U.S. Air Force to support its collection requirements against theater ballistic missiles. USNS Waters, supports submarine navigation system testing and provides ballistic missile flight test support services.
Background: USNS Observation Island was built as a "Mariner" class merchant ship; launched Aug. 15, 1953; 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. In reserve from September 1972. On Aug. 18, 1977, 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. USNS Invincible is a converted Stalwart-class T-AGOS ship. USNS Waters delivered in 1993 as an oceanographic survey ship. She was converted in 1998 under the sponsorship of the Strategic Systems Program Office. Waters began operations in 1999, replacing USNS Vanguard (deactivated in 1998) and USNS Range Sentinel (deactivated in 1997).
Point of Contact:
Office of Public Affairs
Military Sealift Command
Washington, DC 20398-5540
(202) 685-5055 or www.msc.navy.mil
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