| The picture shows a view of this Unused U.S.N.S. Bowditch (T-AGS 21) Post Card. This ship was a hydrographic survey ship. The USNS Bowditch (T-AGS-21) was designated ÒUSNSÓ rather than ÒUSSÓ because she was operated by a crew of civilian merchant seamen, employed by the Military Sealift Command, rather than sailors of the regular U.S. Navy. She was one of 2 Victory ships converted in 1957/58 for survey work in connection with the Polaris missile submarine program. Below is some information found about this ship. Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation - National Defense Service MedalBowditch Class Hydrographic Survey Ship:
Laid down (date unknown) as South Bend, a Maritime Commission type (VC-2-AP2) hull, under Maritime Commission contract (MC hull MCV 694) at Oregon Shipbuilding Co., Portland, OR.
Launched, 30 June 1945
Acquired by the Navy in August 1957
Converted to a Survey Ship at Charleston Naval Shipyard, Charleston, S.C.
Renamed Bowditch, 8 August 1957
Assigned to the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) and placed in service as USNS Bowditch (T-AGS-21), 8 October 1958
Placed out of service (date unknown)
Struck from the Naval Register (date unknown)
Final Disposition, transferred to MARAD for lay up in the National Defense Reserve Fleet, Beaumont, TX., fate unknownSpecifications:
Displacement 4,420 t.(lt) 13,050 t.(fl)
Length 455'
Beam 62'
Draft 23
Speed 16 kts.
Propulsion cross compound steam turbine with double reduction gear, 6,000 to 8,500hpThe postcard measures 5-1/2'' x 3-1/2''. It is in mint unused condition. |
