About this Unit
USS Rehoboth (AVP-50) was a Barnegat-class small seaplane tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. During World War II, she supported seaplane operations in the Pacific, providing maintenance, supplies, and tender services essential to maritime patrol and reconnaissance missions. After the war, Rehoboth was converted into an oceanographic survey ship (AGS-50), conducting extensive hydrographic and oceanographic surveys in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. She served in this capacity until her decommissioning in 1970, contributing significantly to naval science and maritime navigation.
Historical Facts
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Seaplane Tender Origins: USS Rehoboth (AVP-50) was originally built as a Barnegat-class small seaplane tender, designed to support flying boat operations during World War II.
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Launched in 1943: The ship was launched on 8 October 1943 by Lake Washington Shipyard in Houghton, Washington, and commissioned on 23 February 1944.
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Pacific Theater Service: During World War II, Rehoboth served in the Pacific, supporting air operations in locations such as Eniwetok, Saipan, and Okinawa.
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Kamikaze Attack Survivor: While operating off Okinawa in 1945, Rehoboth survived multiple Japanese air raids and kamikaze attacks, playing a vital support role under fire.
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Hydrographic Survey Ship Conversion: After WWII, the ship was converted into an oceanographic survey ship and reclassified as AGS-50 in 1948, reflecting its new scientific mission.
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Cold War Oceanographic Missions: As USNS Rehoboth (T-AGS-50), the vessel conducted critical hydrographic and oceanographic surveys in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans during the Cold War.
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Mapping the Ocean Floor: Rehoboth played a key role in mapping the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and gathering data for submarine warfare and navigation.
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Discovery of the SOFAR Channel: The ship was instrumental in research that contributed to the discovery and understanding of the SOFAR (Sound Fixing and Ranging) channel, used for long-distance underwater communication.
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Longest Serving Barnegat-Class Ship: Rehoboth was one of the longest-serving ships of her class, remaining in service until 1970—well after most of her sister ships had been retired or transferred.
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Honors and Legacy: For her wartime service, Rehoboth earned two battle stars. Her legacy lives on in the fields of naval aviation support and oceanographic research.
