USS POINT LOMA (AGDS-2)

• Origins: USS Point Loma (AGDS-2) was originally launched as the USS Point Loma (AGDS-2), a Deep Submergence Support Ship, designed to support deep submergence and special operations missions. • Converted from a Cargo Ship: The vessel began life as the SS Charles H. Cugle, a Mariner-class cargo ship, before being acquired and converted by the US Navy for military use. • Commissioning Date: USS Point Loma was commissioned on September 11, 1970, after an extensive conversion at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego. • AGDS Designation: The hull classification symbol "AGDS" stands for "Auxiliary, General, Deep Submergence Support," reflecting its unique role in supporting deep-sea operations and research. • Mother Ship Role: The ship served as the mother ship for the Navy's Deep Submergence Vehicle (DSV) program, including support for submersibles such as the Alvin and Sea Cliff. • Submarine Rescue Missions: USS Point Loma was equipped to support submarine rescue operations, providing vital assistance and serving as a mobile base for rescue submersibles. • Support for Project Azorian: The ship is believed to have played a logistical support role for Project Azorian, the secret CIA mission to recover the sunken Soviet submarine K-129 in the early 1970s. • Scientific Research: Besides military missions, Point Loma also supported numerous scientific research projects, including deep ocean mapping and marine biology studies. • Unique Onboard Facilities: The ship featured specialized equipment such as decompression chambers, heavy-lift cranes, and advanced sonar systems to facilitate its deep submergence mission. • Decommissioning and Fate: USS Point Loma was decommissioned on September 28, 1993, after over two decades of service, and was eventually scrapped, marking the end of a unique chapter in naval support operations.