USNS Thomas G. Thompson (T-AGOR-9)

USNS "Thomas G. Thompson" (T-AGOR-9) was a "Robert D. Conrad"-class oceanographic research ship acquired by the U.S. Navy in 1965. She performed oceanographic work for various educational institutions, under various names, including R/V "Thomas G. Thompson" (AGOR-9), R/V "Thomas G. Thompson" (IX-517), R/V "Pacific Escort II" (IX-517), and R/V "Gosport" (IX-517).

Built at Marinette, Wisconsin

"Thomas G. Thompson" (AGOR-9) was laid down on 12 September 1963 at Marinette, Wisconsin, by the Marinette Marine Corp.; launched on 18 July 1964; sponsored by Mrs. Isabel Thompson, the widow of Professor Thompson; and delivered to the Navy on 4 September 1965.

Serving the University of Washington

Specially designed for oceanographic research work, "Thomas G. Thompson" was transferred to the University of Washington, for service with that institution's oceanographic department, in a ceremony at the Boston Naval Shipyard on 21 September 1965. Manned by a civilian crew but under the technical control of the Oceanographer of the Navy, "Thomas G. Thompson" conducted oceanographic research, performing experiments supporting the national oceanographic programs of the United States into 1978.

Multiple names

* R/V "Thomas G. Thompson" (AGOR-9) was her name from 1965 to 1989. During this period she served the needs of the University of Wisconsin.
* R/V "Thomas G. Thompson" (IX-517) was her name from 1889 to 1990.
* R/V Pacific Escort II (IX-517) from 1990 to 1997. As an unclassified miscellaneous she was made available for hire from the Mare Island Naval Shipyard.
* R/V "Gosport" (IX-517) from 1997 to out of final service and struck in 2004. As a multi-purpose research ship, she was available for hire from Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

See also

* United States Navy
* Oceanography

Reference

*
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/57/5709.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - R/V Gosport (IX-517) – ex - R/V Pacific Escort II (IX-517) (1990 - 1997) - R/V Thomas G. Thompson (IX-517) (1989 - 1990) - R/V Thomas G. Thompson (AGOR-9) (1965 - 1989)]