APPENDIX V

STATUS OF NAVY OCEANOGRAPHIC FLEET

Report to UNOLS FIC
20 June 1996

AGOR (Auxiliary General Oceanographic Research) Ships:

• Navy-owned, University-operated.
• Four ships in service:

• Two ships under construction:

TAGS (T-MSC operated Auxiliary General Survey) Ship:

• Navy-owned, Navy-operated.
• Seven ships in service:

• One ship under conversion:

• Two ships under construction:

• One ship in FY '97 Congressional actions:

OTHER (Other Things Heard & Expeditiously Reported) Activities:

• Congressional Actions.

Authorization Bills:

• Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) authorization language supports acquisition of one new oceanographic research ship, based on a SWATH TAGOS 23 Class, for operation by an unspecified university. SASC increased budget by $45 million for this ship.
• SASC also authorized $54 million for the acquisition of TAGS 64.
• House authorized $54 million for TAGS 64. No mention of additional university ship.
• It is expected that the House-Senate Authorization conference will modify the Senate language regarding the $45 million acquisition but retain the intention to buy.

Appropriations Bills:

• House Appropriations Committee (HAC) is now in session.
• Senate Appropriations Committee (SAC) will convene shortly.

• Navy Activity:

AGOR 24 & 25 construction progress on track and nearing completion.

TAGS 63 delivery may occur early (Oct '96 vice Jan '97).

TAGS 64 FY '97 congressional funding very likely.

Deep submersibles, SEA CLIFF and TURTLE, scheduled to be deactivated in early FY '97 and early FY '98 respectively. Future uncertain. FOFCC advised.