USS Jamestown (AGTR-3): A Comprehensive History

The USS Jamestown (AGTR-3) was a unique ship in the US Navy's fleet. It was a surveillance ship that played a significant role in the Cold War era.

The Jamestown was launched in 1962, marking the beginning of its service. It was initially classified as a technical research ship.

The ship's primary mission was to conduct surveillance and gather intelligence on Soviet naval activities.

The USS Jamestown (AGTR-3) was a research ship assigned to Service Squadron 8, with Norfolk as its home port. Its mission was to conduct technical research operations in support of U.S. Navy electronic research projects.

The ship's first deployment was in 1964, when it departed Norfolk on January 20th and visited various ports in the Caribbean and Africa. It returned to Norfolk on August 17th of the same year.

Jamestown's home port was Norfolk, and it was assigned to Service Squadron 8. This means it was part of a larger fleet of ships that operated in the Atlantic Ocean.

You might like: Cruise Terminal 3 Port Rashid

In 1965, the USS Jamestown visited the Pacific Coast of South America, reaching Valparaiso, Chile on June 9th. It celebrated the Fourth of July at Callao, Peru, and then transited the Panama Canal, returning to Norfolk on July 23rd.

Here's a brief timeline of the USS Jamestown's deployments:

The USS Jamestown (AGTR-3) had a long and varied deployment history. She was commissioned on December 13, 1962, at the Norfolk Navy Yard.

The ship's first major deployment was to the Cuban Missile Blockade in 1964, where she played a crucial role in the Navy's efforts to protect the independence of South Vietnam. She operated in the South China Sea, gathering valuable information for the Navy's ships.

Here are the major events of her deployments:

The USS Jamestown continued to operate in the Far East, often in the Vietnam war zone, until mid-1967.

The Jamestown was acquired by the Navy as a technical research ship in 1962, after being returned to the Maritime Reserve Fleet at Beaumont, Texas.

It was renamed Jamestown and designated AG-166 on 6 March 1963, and commissioned on 13 December at Norfolk Navy Yard.

Her home port was Norfolk, Virginia, and her mission was to conduct technical research operations in support of U.S. Navy electronic research projects.

These projects included electromagnetic propagation studies and advanced communications systems such as satellite communications.

The Jamestown was assigned to Service Squadron 8, Service Force, Atlantic Fleet.

In reality, the Jamestown's research mission was just a cover for its true purpose: collecting Signals Intelligence in the waters off South Vietnam.

It started this task in December 1965, supplementing land-based radio-intelligence monitoring of North and South Vietnamese and Cambodian VHF and HF communication nets.

The AGTR-3 Deployments - Major Events section provides a comprehensive overview of the ship's deployments and operations. The ship was launched on July 10, 1945, and commissioned on December 13, 1962.

The AGTR-3's first deployment was a significant event, as it marked the beginning of the ship's service in the Navy. The ship was deployed from May 1945 to June 1946, during which time it was chartered by Waterman Steamship Co.

The AGTR-3's first major deployment was in 1964, when it was deployed to the Cuban Missile Blockade. This deployment lasted from January to June 1964.

Here is a list of the AGTR-3's major deployments:

The AGTR-3's deployments in 1968 and 1969 were significant, as they marked the ship's service in the West Pac-Viet Nam area. The ship was decommissioned in November 1969.

Jamestown played a significant role in the Vietnam operations, gathering valuable information for the Navy's ships fighting to protect South Vietnam's independence.

She operated in the South China Sea, contributing to the Navy's scientific research tradition.

Jamestown reached Subic Bay in the Philippines on December 29, marking the beginning of her Far Eastern deployment.

She continued operating in the Vietnam war zone through mid-1967, supporting the Navy's efforts in the region.

The USS Jamestown was a ship that earned its fair share of awards and decorations.

The USS Jamestown was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation, which is a testament to its exceptional service.

This award was given in recognition of the ship's meritorious service from 1 November 1965 to 30 June 1969 while participating in combat support operations in Southeast Asia.

The USS Jamestown also received the Vietnam Service Medal with nine service stars, indicating its significant involvement in the Vietnam War.

Additionally, the ship was awarded the Vietnam Gallantry Cross unit citation nine times, a notable achievement that reflects its bravery and dedication.

Here are the awards and decorations earned by the USS Jamestown: