USNS Vanguard was reclassified as a navigational test launch ship [T-AG-194] in September 1980, which perform assorted tests related to research on various missile navigational systems. In May 1997, equipment was installed to enable the ship to serve as a range instrumentation ship in support of the fleet ballistic missile program, and is under the operational control of Director, Strategic Systems Program. USNS Vanguard (TAG 194) is one of 30 special missions ships operated by Military Sealift Command providing operating platforms and services for unique US military and federal government missions. 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. USNS Vanguard supports sponsor programs in navigation research by providing a platform for testing fleet ballistic missile guidance and missile systems.
Specifications | |
| Builder | Marine Ship Corporation, Sausalito, Calif. |
| Power Plant | turbo-electric; two boilers; 8 Westinghouse turbo-generators; 10,000 horsepower; one motor, one shaft. |
| Length | 595 feet (181.4 meters) |
| Beam | 75 feet (22.9 meters) |
| Displacement | 13,882 tons (14,104.78 metric tons) light 24,761 tons (25,158.37 metric tons) full load |
| Speed | 14 knots (16 mph, 25.7 kph) |
| Crew | 45 civilians, 18 scientists plus 141 spare |
Ships | ||||||
| Name | Number | Builder | Homeport | Ordered | Commissioned | Decommissioned |
| Vanguard | T-AGM-20 / T-AG-194 | |||||
| Redstone | T-AGM-20 | 07 Dec 1993 | ||||
