Keel-Laying Ceremony Held At Bethlehem-Sparrows Point Yard For First of Two Navy Survey Vessels

The first of two Navy oceanographic survey vessels, the USNS Maury (T-AGS-39), was recently dedicated by Rear Adm. John R.

Seesholtz, USN, Oceanographer of the Navy, at keel-laying ceremonies at Bethlehem Steel's Sparrows Point, Md., yard.

According to David Watson, Sparrows Point general manager, the $130-million, two-ship Navy contract would be employing approximately 1,100 workers when the construction reaches its peak in the next few months. The Maury is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in December 1987.

Joining Admiral Seesholtz at the keel-laying ceremony were Rep.

Helen Delich Bentley (R-Md.); Rear Adm. Harry K. Fiske, Deputy Commander, Amphibious Auxiliary, Mine and Sealift Directorate, NAVSEA; Rear Adm. Richard F.

Donnelly, Vice Commander, MSC; Rear Adm. Henry G. Chiles Jr., Director, Strategic Submarine Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations; Capt. Martin Staiger, Supervisor, Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, USN, Portsmouth, Va.; and Capt. William C..

Pfister, Program Manager, Auxiliary/ Special Mission, Ship Acquisition Program, NAVSEA.

Representing Bethlehem Steel, in addition to Mr. Watson, were James H. Leonard, vice president of the steel-related group, and David H. Klinges, president of the marine construction division.

The yard began construction of the vessels in February of this year.

The sister ship, named the USNS Tanner (T-AGS-40), is scheduled for completion in April 1988.

The ships were designed by the Sparrows Point yard's engineering department and M. Rosenblatt & Sons, Inc. of New York. Each ship has a 499-foot length overall, 72-foot beam and a 51-foot depth. Once delivered, they will be operated by civilian crews under the direction of the Military Sealift Command, and will be primarily used to conduct ocean surveys and provide scientific data.

For free color literature on the shipbuilding services and facilities offered by Bethlehem Steel's Sparrows Point yard, Circle 91 on Reader Service Card

Maritime Reporter Magazine, page 9, Oct 1986

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