What does the “multi” in multi-mission mean? evolution of the T-AGS 60 class oceanographic survey ships

In 1989 the Oceanographer of the Navy approved the Top Level Requirements for a new class of multimission oceanographic survey ships (T-AGS (O)), T-AGS (O) ultimately became the T-AGS 60 Class Oceanographic Survey Ships. The first of six ships, USNS PATHFINDER (T-AGS 60) was delivered in 1994 and became operational in 1996. Three additional T-AGS 60 class ships USNS SUMNER (T-AGS 61), USNS BOWDITCH (T-AGS 62), and USNS HENSON (T-AGS 63) are currently in operation. USNS BRUCE C. HEEZEN (T-AGS 64) was delivered in January 2000, and the USNS MARY SEARS (T-AGS 65) is under construction for delivery in December 2001. This paper discusses the Naval Oceanographic Office´s efforts to incorporate new technology to maintain mission capability and to meet evolving mission requirements for the T-AGS 60 Class ships in operation, under test, and under construction