RARON 1 : USS Tracer AGR 15 and USS Catawba ATA 210

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U.S. Navy

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About RARON 1 : USS Tracer AGR 15 and USS Catawba ATA 210

**RARON 1** is not a recognized designation for a U.S. military unit, but **USS Tracer (AGR-15)** and **USS Catawba (ATA-210)** are notable U.S. Navy vessels with distinct histories. USS Tracer (AGR-15), originally built as Liberty Ship **Edwin D. Howard**, was converted into a Guardian-class radar picket ship in 1958, serving as part of the North American early warning line during the Cold War to detect incoming Soviet bombers and missiles. The Tracer operated out of San Francisco, patrolling the Pacific Ocean until decommissioned in 1965. USS Catawba (ATA-210), a Sotoyomo-class auxiliary ocean tug, was commissioned in 1945 and provided vital towing and salvage services in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, supporting fleet operations until she was decommissioned in 1971. Both vessels exemplified the Navy’s adaptability during the mid-20th century, fulfilling crucial support and surveillance roles.

Unit Members

George Harrington

U.S. Navy

RARON 1 : USS Tracer AGR 15 and USS Catawba ATA 210View Profile

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A School

U.S. Navy • 1979

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U.S. Navy

All P-3 retired

VP Squadrons • U.S. Navy • 2024

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USS Lawrence DDG-4 • U.S. Navy • 1972

About RARON 1 : USS Tracer AGR 15 and USS Catawba ATA 210

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• USS Tracer (AGR-15) – Radar Picket Ship: Originally built as a Liberty Ship named SS Benjamin F. Coston in 1945, the vessel was later converted into a radar picket ship to serve as part of the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line during the Cold War. • Radar Guard of the West Coast: USS Tracer was stationed off the West Coast of the United States as an early warning ship, detecting potential Soviet bomber or missile attacks, and relaying information to NORAD command centers. • AGRs Nicknamed “Gap Fillers”: The AGR class ships like Tracer filled radar coverage gaps not covered by land-based radars, providing round-the-clock vigilance at sea. • Unusual Crew Life: Crewmembers aboard USS Tracer spent weeks at a time at sea, in isolated conditions, constantly monitoring radar screens for any sign of incoming threats, making for a tense but vital assignment. • USS Tracer’s Deactivation: As technology improved, with satellites and better radar coverage, the AGR ships became obsolete. USS Tracer was decommissioned in 1965, ending her unique role in early warning defense. • USS Catawba (ATA-210) – Auxiliary Tug: Commissioned in 1945, the USS Catawba was an auxiliary ocean tug, designed to tow ships and barges, and assist in salvage operations. • Post-WWII Service: While built too late for much World War II action, Catawba served extensively in the immediate postwar years, aiding in towing, rescue, and recovery operations for the U.S. Navy. • Far-Reaching Missions: USS Catawba operated throughout the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico, supporting fleet operations, performing tows, salvage missions, and target towing for naval exercises. • International Service: After her U.S. Navy service, the Catawba was transferred to the Republic of Korea in 1972, continuing her life as a naval auxiliary in a new country. • RARON 1 Connection: The “RARON 1” designation is not standard in U.S. Navy records, but it may refer to a specific radar picket or auxiliary unit assignment related to USS Tracer’s operational role in radar picket duty, emphasizing her place in Cold War air defense history.