World Navies Today: US Navy Minor Auxiliaries & Yard Craft

Revised 10 March 2003
Version 2.18
Compiled and Maintained by: Andrew Toppan
World Navies Today Main Page: http://www.hazegray.org/worldnav/

This list includes detailed listings for all miscellaneous auxiliaries over 500 tons displacement and brief listings for smaller auxiliary/yard/service craft.

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.

Ships operated by MSC carry the prefix "USNS" with their names; chartered ships are "M/V" or "R/V".

Ship Types Included:
Trials, Test & Research Support Vessels
Relics & Special-Status Vessels
Self-Propelled Yard/Service Craft
Non-Self-Propelled Yard/Service Craft


Trials & Research Vessels

Ranger class trials support ships (2 ships)

Displacement: approx. 1,800 tons full load
Dimensions: 192 x 40 x 14 feet/58.5 x 12 x 4.3 meters
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 3,000 bhp, 12 knots
Crew: ??

Notes: Two former oilfield support tugs chartered to support various trials. NAWC 38 conducts trials of littoral warfare equipment and technology; Ranger supports trials on the AUTEC range, including torpedo recovery duties.

Builders: McDermott SY, New Iberia, LA.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
192UB8701 Ranger 1981/86 ATL Andros Range NUWC
192UB8702 NAWC 38 1981/86 ATL Key West NAWCAD
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Independence trials support ship

Displacement: 1,798 tons full load
Dimensions: 200 x 40 x 13.5 feet/61 x 12 x 4 meters
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2,500 bhp, 13 knots
Crew: 13 civilian + 14 mission crew
Cargo: 338 tons deck cargo

Notes: A former USAF rocket recovery ship transfered to USN in 1988 and employed in support of underwater sensor tests.

Builders: Halter Marine, Moss Point, MS.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
-- Independence 1985/88 PAC Port Hueneme
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180 foot type trials support ships (3 ships)

Displacement: approx. 1,500 tons full load
Dimensions: 180 x 40 x 12 feet/55 x 12 x 3.6 meters
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2,250 bhp, 12 knots
Crew: variable

Notes: Former oilfield support tugs acquired on for various trials & research support functions. Hugo and Hunter operate as torpedo trials vessels; Acoustic Pioneer is assigned to the Naval Air Warfare Center.

Builders: McDermott SY, New Iberia, LA; Quality SB, Moss Point, MS; Halter Marine, Moss Point, MS.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
180NS8201 Hugo 1982/91 ATL Roosevelt Roads
180NS8202 Hunter 1981/91 ATL Roosevelt Roads
180WB8701 Acoustic Pioneer 1981/87 ATL Key West NAWCAD
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Gosport (Robert D. Conrad class) oceanographic research/survey ship

Displacement: approx. 1,300 tons full load
Dimensions: 209 x 37 x 14 feet/63.7 x 11.3 x 4.3 meters
Propulsion: Diesel-electric, 1 shaft, 10,000 shp, 13.5 knots
Crew: 14 + 27 mission crew

Concept/Program: Last of a class of small AGORs, now operated as a general research/survey and trials support ship under the control of Norfolk Naval Shipyard and available for charter or contract operation. She is the largest operational vessel under the control of a naval base.

Formerly R/V Thomas G. Thompson (AGOR 9); taken out of service in 1989, redesignated IX 517 and named Pacific Escort as a trials escort/utility vessel at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. Following closure of that base in 1995 she was acquired by Norfolk Naval Shipyard, renamed Gosport, and refurbished for continued service.

Builders: Marinette Marine, WI.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
IX 517 Gosport 1965/95 ATL Norfolk NNSY
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Cape Flattery class torpedo trials vessels (2 ships)

Displacement: 1,200 tons full load
Dimensions: 186.5 x 40 x 10.5 feet/56.8 x 12 x 3.2 meters
Propulsion: 1 diesel, 2 shafts, 1,250 shp, 11 knots
Crew: 31 + 9 technicians
Armament: 2 21 inch torpedo tubes, 3 12.75 inch torpedo tubes

Notes: A large purpose-built torpedo trials vessels. Sisters YTT 9 and YTT 12 have been discared; the latter vessel was never placed in service.

Builders: McDermott SY, Morgan City, LA.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
YTT 10 Battle Point 1991 PAC Keyport, WA NUWC
YTT 11 Discovery Bay 1992 PAC Keyport, WA NUWC
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ATLS 9701 drone launch ship

Displacement: 857 tons full load
Dimensions: 265 x 226 x 6.5 feet/80.77 x 7.92 x 1.98 meters
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 1,342 bhp, 8 knots
Crew: ??
Armament: Dual launcher for Vandal target drones

Notes: Small ship built to launch Vandal target drones (converted Talos missiles).

Builders: Halter Marine, Moss Point, MS.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
ATLS 9701 (none) 1998 PAC Port Hueneme NAWC
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MST 9301 target craft

Displacement: 850 tons full load
Dimensions: 260 x 26 x 7 feet/79.25 x 7.92 x 2.13 meters
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 15 knots
Crew: unmanned

Notes: Purpose-built remote-controlled target ship, used for live-fire exercises.

Builders: Maritime Contractors, Bellingham, WA.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
MST 9301 (none) 1994 PAC Port Hueneme NAWC
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Sea Shadow advanced technology test vessel

Displacement: 560 tons full load
Dimensions: 49.99 x 20.73 x 4.42 meters
Propulsion: Diesel-electric, 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 1,600 shp, 13 knots
Crew: 12 + 12 mission crew

Notes: Advanced-technology, SWATH-hulled vessel, originally built to test low-observable ("stealth") technologies. Now employed in technology testing and demonstration for the DD-21 and other advanced programs. Designation IX 529 assigned 2000.

Builders: Lockheed SB, Redwood City, CA.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
IX 529 Sea Shadow 1983 PAC San Diego
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Relics & Special-Status Vessels

Constitution sail frigate

Displacement: 2,200 tons standard
Dimensions: 204 x 43.5 x 22.5 feet/62.2 x 13.2 x 6.8 meters
Propulsion: Sail (3 masts; ship rig)
Crew: 49

Notes: Historic frigate preserved at Boston; oldest commissioned ship in the Navy and oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. Restored 1992-1996 and sailed under her own power 21 July 1997.

Builders: Hart's SY, Boston.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
-- Constitution 1798 ATL Boston
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Barry (Forrest Sherman class) destroyer

Displacement: ~4000 tons
Dimensions: 425 x 45 x 22 feet/129.5 x 13.7 x 6.7 meters
Propulsion: (Inoperable: steam turbines, 4 boilers, 2 shafts, 70,000 shp, 32 knots)
Crew: --
Armament: (Inoperable: 1 ASROC, 2 5"/54cal DP, 2 triple 12.75 inch torpedo tubes)

Notes: One of the last traditional-design, all-gun destroyers, stricken in 1983 but preserved at Washington Navy Yard as a museum and ceremonial ship. Officially listed as "floating equipment".

Builders: Bath Iron Works, Maine.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
ex-DD 933 Barry 1956/83 ATL Washington
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Cassin Young (Fletcher class) destroyer

Displacement: ~3000 tons
Dimensions: 376.5 x 39.5 x 22.5 feet
Propulsion: (Inoperable: steam turbines, 4 boilers, 2 shafts, 80,000 shp, 37 knots)
Crew: --
Armament: ( Inoperable: 5 5"/38cal DP, 40mm AA, 21 inch torpedo tubes, Hedgehog, DC racks)

Notes: One of the few surviving Fletcher class destroyers, now preserved at Boston, near USS Constitution. Owned by the Navy, but on indefinite loan to the National Park Service.

Builders: Bethlehem, San Pedro.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
ex-DD 793 Cassin Young 1943/78 ATL Boston
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Nautilus attack submarine

Displacement: 4,040 tons submerged
Dimensions: 319.5 x 27.5 x 22 feet/97.4 x 8.4 x 6.7 meters
Propulsion: (Inoperable: steam turbines, 1 S2W reactor, 2 shafts, 15,000 shp, 20+ knots)
Crew: --
Armament: (Inoperable: 6 21 inch torpedo tubes)

Notes: World's first nuclear-powered submarine, now preserved as a museum near the New London submarine base. She is moored outside the base at a privately-managed museum, but remains property of USN under administrative control of the submarine base. She was decommissioned 3 March 1980 at Mare Island and towed to New London in 1985.

Builders: General Dynamics/Electric Boat, Groton, CT.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
ex-SSN 571 Nautilus 1954/85 ATL Groton
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Pueblo electronic surveillance ship

Displacement: 700 tons full load
Dimensions: 180 x 33 x 8.5 feet/54.8 x 10 x 2.6 meters
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 1 shaft, 1000 shp, 12 knots
Crew: --
Armament: 2 3"/50cal AA

Notes: An electronic surveillance ship, officially designated as an environmental research ship, which was attacked and captured by North Korea 23 January 1968. One member of the crew was killed, and the survivors were held captive until 12/1968. The ship was towed to Wonson, North Korea. The ship is open to the public (for a fee) as a monument to the 'evil Americans'. The vessel is maintained in nominal commission in the US Navy to protest the seizure.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
AGER 2 Pueblo 194?/67 PAC (Wonsan)
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Self-Propelled Yard/Service Craft

Training Craft
Number Name Description Homeport/Unit
ASDV 1 (none) Swimmer/SEAL Training EOD Mobile Unit 6
ASDV 2 (none) Swimmer/SEAL Training Special Boat Unit 20
ASDV 3 (none) Swimmer/SEAL Training SEAL Delivery Team 1
IX 514 (none) Helicopter Training NAS Pensacola, FL
LCU 1680 (none) Reserve Training Naval Reserve, Buffalo, NY
LCU 1681 (none) Reserve Training Naval Reserve, Tampa, FL
YP 676 (none) Training Craft Naval Academy
YP 677 (none) Training Craft Naval Academy
YP 680 (none) Training Craft Naval Academy
YP 681 (none) Training Craft Naval Academy
YP 682 (none) Training Craft Naval Academy
YP 683 (none) Training Craft Naval Academy
YP 684 (none) Training Craft Naval Academy
YP 685 (none) Training Craft Naval Academy
YP 686 (none) Training Craft Naval Academy
YP 687 (none) Training Craft Naval Academy
YP 688 (none) Training Craft Naval Academy
YP 689 (none) Training Craft Naval Academy
YP 690 (none) Training Craft Naval Academy
YP 691 (none) Training Craft Naval Academy
YP 692 (none) Training Craft Naval Academy
YP 694 (none) Training Craft Naval Academy
YP 695 (none) Training Craft Naval Academy
YP 696 (none) Training Craft NAS Pensacola, FL
YP 698 (none) Training Craft Naval Academy
YP 700 (none) Training Craft Naval Academy
YP 701 (none) Training Craft NUWC, Keyport, WA
YP 702 (none) Training Craft NAS Pensacola, FL
The Naval Academy also operates several hundred small sailing craft of various types.

Tugs
Number Name Description Homeport/Unit
YTB 760 Natick Harbor Tug La Maddalena, Italy
YTB 761 Ottumwa Harbor Tug Bangor, WA
YTB 764 Mishawaka Harbor Tug Bangor, WA
YTB 765 Okumulgee Harbor Tug Norfolk
YTB 767 Apalachicola Harbor Tug Bremerton
YTB 771 Keokuk Harbor Tug Portsmouth NSY
YTB 775 Wauwatosa Harbor Tug Diego Garcia
YTB 779 Manhattan Harbor Tug Bangor, WA
YTB 782 Manistee Harbor Tug Yokosuka, Japan
YTB 783 Redwing Harbor Tug Adak, AK
YTB 784 Kalispell Harbor Tug Diego Garcia
YTB 787 Kittanning Harbor Tug Yokosuka, Japan
YTB 789 Tomahawk Harbor Tug Guantanamo Bay
YTB 796 Saco Harbor Tug Diego Garcia
YTB 797 Tamaqua Harbor Tug Diego Garcia
YTB 798 Opelika Harbor Tug Yokosuka, Japan
YTB 807 Massapequa Harbor Tug Yokosuka, Japan
YTB 808 Wenatchee Harbor Tug Bremerton
YTB 810 Anoka Harbor Tug Norfolk
YTB 812 Accomac Harbor Tug Bremerton
YTB 818 Mecosta Harbor Tug Adak, AK
YTB 820 Wanamassa Harbor Tug Guantanamo Bay
YTB 822 Pawhuska Harbor Tug Bremerton
YTB 823 Canonchet Harbor Tug Bremerton
YTB 828 Catahecassa Harbor Tug Bremerton
YTB 829 Metacom Harbor Tug Groton
YTB 831 Dekanawida Harbor Tug Norfolk
YTB 832 Petalesharo Harbor Tug La Maddalena, Italy
YTB 835 Skenandoa Harbor Tug Bremerton
YTB 836 Pokagon Harbor Tug Bremerton
YTL 602 (none) Harbor Tug Portsmouth

Trials, Test & Research Craft
Number Name Description Homeport/Unit
165NS761 Athena I High-Speed Research Craft (ex-PG 94) NSWC, Panama City, FL
165NS762 Athena II High-Speed Research Craft (ex-PG 98) NSWC, Panama City, FL
165NS763 Lauren High-Speed Research Craft (ex-PG 100) NSWC, Panama City, FL
(none) Quest SWATH test ship Annapolis
(none) Slice SWATH test ship Hawaii
90WB8701 Kaimalino SWATH test ship (in reserve) San Diego
IX 515 (SES-200) SES Trials Ship (in reserve) NSWC, Suffolk, VA
65TR671 (none) 65 ft. Torpedo Retriever
TR 5 Harrier 65 ft. Torpedo Retriever
TR 6 Peregrine 65 ft. Torpedo Retriever
TRB 32 (none) 72 ft. Torpedo Retriever
TRB 33 (none) 72 ft. Torpedo Retriever
TRB 36 (none) 72 ft. Torpedo Retriever NUWC, Keyport, WA
HM-9 (none) 85 ft. Missile Retriever Port Hueneme
TWR 651 (none) 85 ft. Torpedo Retriever
TWR 654 (none) 85 ft. Torpedo Retriever
TWR 7 Chaparral 85 ft. Torpedo Retriever Pearl Harbor
TWR 8 Iliwai 85 ft. Torpedo Retriever Pearl Harbor
TWR 3 Condor 100 ft. Torpedo Retriever Pearl Harbor
TWR 6 Ferret 100 ft. Torpedo Retriever Pearl Harbor
TWR 771 Phoenix 100 ft. Torpedo Retriever
110WB8501 Rangemaster 110 ft. Torpedo Retriever AUTEC Range
126NS8801 (none) 120 ft. Missile Retriever Kadena, Japan
SL-120 (none) 120 ft. Missile Retriever Port Hueneme
TWR 821 Swamp Fox 120 ft. Torpedo Retriever Groton
TWR 823 Porpoise 120 ft. Torpedo Retriever San Diego
TWR 833 (none) 120 ft. Torpedo Retriever
TWR 841 (none) 120 ft. Torpedo Retriever AUTEC Range
TWR 842 Narwhal 120 ft. Torpedo Retriever
100NS7802 Retriever Weapons Recovery Boat Norfolk
100NS8701 Transporter Weapons Recovery Boat Patuxent River
TSB 18 (none) Acoustic Monitoring Boat NUWC, Keyport, WA
36NS9101 Captain Bart Diving Trials Boat Port Hueneme
-- - 85 ft "Guardian" High Speed Trials Craft NSWC, Norfolk, VA
65PB734 Navy Prince Gun Trials Boat NSWC, Dahlgren
65PB777 Plymouth Gun Trials Boat NSWC, Dahlgren
49NS9201 (none) Hydrographic Boat Port Hueneme
36NS9501 (none) Research Support Boat Lake Pend Oreille, ID
IX 508 (Orca) ROV/AUV Test Support U of Southern Miss.
60NS9001 (none) Sonar Trials Support Boat Lake Pend Oreille, ID
111NS8801 Acoustic Explorer Sonobuoy Trials Craft San Diego
(none) (none) Target Tracking Trials Boat Port Hueneme
NAWC 03 (none) Trials Support Boat NAWCAD, Key West
NAWC 57 (none) Trials Support Boat NAWCAD, Key West
IX 531 (none) Technology Demonstration Office Of Naval Research (ex-YP 679)

Utility/Miscellaneous Craft
Number Name Description Homeport/Unit
YDT 17 Neptune 132 ft. Dive Tender Panama City, FL
YDT 18 Poseidon 132 ft. Dive Tender Panama City, FL
C12739 (none) 64 ft. Utility Boat
65AR681 (none) 65 ft. Rescue Boat
85NS681 (none) 85 ft. Rescue Boat
C14252 (none) 85 ft. Rescue Boat
C14253 (none) 85 ft. Rescue Boat
YSD 74 (none) Floating Crane Pearl Harbor
LCU 1590 (none) Dive Tender Mobile Dive/Salvage Unit
40NS9801 Ecos Ecological Boat San Diego
YFNX 30 Sea Turtle Submersible Support San Diego
YP 663 (none) Utility Boat Bremerton
YP 665 (none) Utility Boat Bremerton
YP 697 (none) Utility Boat NUWC, Keyport, WA WA
LCU 1590 (none) Utility Craft Mobile Dive/Salvage Unit
LCU 1614 (none) Utility Craft NAWCAD, Key West
LCU 1647 (none) Utility Craft NAWCAD, Key West
LCU 1665 (none) Utility Craft Fleet Activities, Sasebo, Japan
YFU 81 (none) Utility Craft Roosevelt Roads
YFU 91 (none) Utility Craft (ex-LCU 1608) Roosevelt Roads
YFB 92 W.H. Allen Yard Ferry Guantanamo Bay
YFB 93 R.W. Huntington Yard Ferry Guantanamo Bay
YFB 94 (none) Yard Ferry (ex-LCU 1504) Roosevelt Roads
63CC791 (none) CNO Yacht Washington DC
62NS8411 Severn Yacht Naval Academy
C3148 (none) Yacht Guam
C3007 (none) CINCPACFLT Yacht Pearl Harbor


Non-Self Propelled Yard/Service Craft

Major Non-Self Propelled Craft
Number Name Description Homeport/Unit
AFDM 10 Resolute 18,000 Ton Drydock Norfolk
ARDM 4 Shippingport 7,800 Ton Drydock Groton
ARDM 5 Arco 7,800 Ton Drydock San Diego
AFDL 6 Dynamic 1,000 Ton Drydock Little Creek
(none) HMB-1 Covered Drydock San Diego
(none) Flip Oceanographic Research Barge Scripps Instit.
180NS4401 (ex-Blackhaw) Salvage Training Hulk (ex-WLB 390) Little Creek
(none) (ex-Mariposa) Salvage Training Hulk (ex-WLB 397) Little Creek
(none) (ex-State of Maine) Fire Test Hulk (ex-AP 198) Mobile, AL
(none) (ex-Shadwell) Fire Test Hulk (ex-LSD 15) Mobile, AL
IX 310 (none) Sonar Test Barge NUWC, Lake Seneca, NY
IX 516 (none) Trident Missile Training Barge Goose Creek, SC
IX 519 (none) Boat Landing Stage (ex-YC 1643) Gaeta, Italy/USS LaSalle
IX 520 (none) Barracks Barge (ex-APL 19) Norfolk
IX 521 (none) Target Support Barge (ex-AFDB 1D) Pearl Harbor
IX 522 (none) Target Support Barge (ex-AFDB 2D) Pearl Harbor
IX 523 (none) Boarding Party Training Hulk (ex-YOG 93) Little Creek
IX 524 (none) Target Support Barge (ex-AFDB 2F) PMRF, Kekha, HI
IX 525 (none) Target Support Barge (ex-AFDB 1C) PMRF, Kekha, HI
IX 527 (none) Submarine Test Support Barge (ex-YFN 1259) NSWC, Ketchikan, AK
IX 528 (none) Submarine Test Support Barge (ex-YRDH 1) NSWC, Ketchikan, AK
IX 530 (none) Dive Support Barge Southwest Regional Maintenance Center
MTS 626 Daniel Webster Reactor Training Craft Charleston
MTS 635 Rayburn Reactor Training Craft Charleston
YCF 16 (none) Sonar Test Barge NUWC, Lake Seneca, NY
YFNX 22 (none) Sonar Test Barge NUWC, Lake Seneca, NY


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