USS Arlington (AGMR-2)

• Unique Role: USS Arlington (AGMR-2) was a command ship specifically designed and built as a Major Communications Relay Ship, supporting fleet communications in the era before satellites became widespread. • Vietnam Service: Arlington played a critical role during the Vietnam War, serving as a floating communications hub and coordinating naval operations off the coast of Vietnam. • Apollo Recovery Missions: The ship was part of the recovery fleet for the Apollo 8 and Apollo 10 missions, providing communication support and serving as a backup recovery command ship. • Converted Cargo Ship: Arlington was originally laid down as the cargo ship SS Fred Morris before being acquired by the Navy and converted to an AGMR vessel at the New York Naval Shipyard. • Name Origin: The ship was named after Arlington County, Virginia, home of the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery. • Advanced Technology: Upon commissioning in 1966, Arlington boasted one of the most advanced communications suites of her time, capable of handling high-volume, secure voice and data traffic. • Nickname: Due to her expansive antenna arrays and communications gear, the crew affectionately called her the "antenna farm." • Service Awards: The ship earned several awards and campaign medals for her service, including the Vietnam Service Medal and the Navy Unit Commendation. • Presidential Communication: Arlington was equipped to provide secure communications for the President of the United States in case of national emergency while at sea. • Decommissioning and Fate: USS Arlington was decommissioned in 1970 after just four years of active service, and was eventually sold for scrap in 1976, marking the end of her short but impactful Navy career.