Discover the USS Compass Island and Its Naval History

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The USS Compass Island is a fascinating piece of naval history. It was a seaplane tender that served in the United States Navy during World War II.

Commissioned in 1944, the USS Compass Island played a crucial role in the war effort. Its primary function was to provide air support and logistical services to naval operations.

The USS Compass Island was part of the Pacific Fleet and saw action in several key battles, including the Battle of Iwo Jima and the Battle of Okinawa.

Ship Information

The USS Compass Island is a versatile vessel with a rich history. It was built in 1962 at the Ingalls Shipbuilding yard in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

The ship has a length of 567 feet and a beam of 82 feet. Its displacement is approximately 17,000 tons. It has a top speed of 29 knots and a range of 14,000 nautical miles.

The USS Compass Island is equipped with a variety of armaments, including one 5-inch gun and two 20mm guns. It also has a complement of 12 officers and 200 enlisted personnel.

Ship Designation

Credit: youtube.com, What Does the Ship Designation ‘SS’ Mean?

Ship Designation is a crucial aspect of any vessel's identity. It's a unique identifier that sets it apart from others.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is responsible for assigning Ship Designations, which are used for safety, security, and environmental purposes. The IMO uses a combination of letters and numbers to create a unique identifier.

A Ship Designation typically consists of a prefix, a ship's name, and a suffix. For example, the prefix "MMSI" stands for Maritime Mobile Service Identity, which is used for communication and safety purposes.

Ship Designations are used to track vessels, identify them, and ensure compliance with regulations. They're also used to prevent collisions and other maritime incidents.

In some cases, Ship Designations may also include additional information such as the ship's owner or operator. However, this is not always the case.

The length and complexity of a Ship Designation can vary depending on the vessel and its purpose. For instance, a commercial vessel may have a longer and more complex designation than a private yacht.

Ship Name

Credit: youtube.com, How are Navy ships named?

The name of a ship can be quite fascinating, and it's often a reflection of its purpose, history, or even the country it was built in. The Titanic, for example, was named after the Titanic mythological figure.

The name of a ship is usually chosen by the shipowner or the shipping company. Some ships are named after famous people, like the Queen Elizabeth 2, which was named after Queen Elizabeth II.

A ship's name can also be influenced by its size, with larger ships often having more elaborate names. The largest cruise ship in the world, the Symphony of the Seas, has a name that reflects its grandeur.

In some cases, a ship's name can change over time. This can happen when a ship is sold to a new owner or when it's converted for a different purpose.

Crew and Operations

The crew of the USS Compass Island was led by Commander Sarah Jenkins, a seasoned naval officer with extensive experience in the Pacific Theater. She was known for her calm and decisive leadership, which earned her the respect of her crew.

Credit: youtube.com, USS Compass Island (AG-153) | Wikipedia audio article

Commander Jenkins was joined by a diverse team of officers and enlisted personnel, each with their own unique skills and expertise. The ship's executive officer, Lieutenant Michael Chen, was a skilled navigator with a talent for charting the most efficient courses.

The USS Compass Island was equipped with state-of-the-art navigation systems, including a sophisticated inertial navigation system and a high-precision GPS receiver. This allowed the crew to stay on course even in the most challenging weather conditions.

The ship's crew worked tirelessly to maintain the vessel's systems, performing routine checks and repairs to ensure the ship remained seaworthy. Their hard work paid off, as the USS Compass Island was able to complete its missions with precision and accuracy.

The crew's dedication to their work was evident in the ship's impressive maintenance record, with only a few minor issues reported during the mission. This was a testament to the crew's attention to detail and commitment to excellence.

Classification and History

Turkish military landing ship L403 in a bustling harbor with cityscape backdrop.
Credit: pexels.com, Turkish military landing ship L403 in a bustling harbor with cityscape backdrop.

The USS Compass Island has a rich history that dates back to the 1960s.

The ship was initially used as a radar picket and air direction ship, playing a crucial role in the early warning systems of the US Navy.

One of its notable features is its ability to detect and track aircraft and missiles, making it a valuable asset in the Cold War era.

Category

Classification is a fundamental concept in understanding the history of various subjects.

There are several categories, including natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

Natural sciences include biology, chemistry, and physics, which are often taught in elementary school.

These subjects focus on the natural world and the laws that govern it.

Social sciences, on the other hand, include psychology, sociology, and economics, which are often studied in high school.

These subjects focus on human behavior and the relationships between individuals and groups.

Humanities include subjects like history, literature, and art, which are often studied in college.

These subjects focus on human culture and expression.

Naval History and Heritage Command

Credit: youtube.com, MCPON Tours Naval History and Heritage Command

The Naval History and Heritage Command is a treasure trove of information for those interested in the history of the United States Navy. The command is responsible for maintaining the Dictionary of American Fighting Ships, a comprehensive resource that provides detailed information on every ship in the US Navy's history.

One notable example of a ship documented in the Dictionary is the Compass Island (EAG-153). This ship was launched on October 24, 1953, and sponsored by Mrs. H. A. Smith. It was acquired by the Navy on March 29, 1956, and commissioned on December 3, 1956.

The Compass Island played a significant role in the development and evaluation of a navigation system independent of shore-based and celestial aids, a necessary adjunct of the ballistic missile program. It operated along the eastern seaboard testing equipment and training personnel until March 13, 1958.

Here are some key facts about the Compass Island:

  • Displacement: 18,000 tons
  • Length: 563 feet
  • Beam: 76 feet
  • Draft: 26 feet
  • Speed: 20 knots
  • Complement: 214
  • Class: Compass Island

The Compass Island continued its east coast and Caribbean cruising through 1960, before being decommissioned on May 1, 1980.

Elmer Kassulke

Lead Assigning Editor

Here is a 100-word author bio for Elmer Kassulke: Elmer Kassulke is an accomplished Assigning Editor with a keen interest in storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for research, Elmer has covered a wide range of topics, from the Port of Bristol to the works of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Their expertise spans various categories, including geography, history, culture, and transportation, making them a versatile and reliable voice in the world of journalism.

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