About this Unit
USS San Pablo (AGS-30) was a United States Navy hydrographic survey ship, originally laid down as the Liberty ship SS John G. Tod in 1944. Acquired by the Navy and commissioned in 1944, she was converted and renamed for survey work. Throughout World War II and the postwar years, San Pablo conducted extensive hydrographic surveys in the Pacific, supporting naval operations and safe navigation. She played a vital role in charting uncharted waters, particularly around the Marianas, the Philippines, and the Western Pacific until her decommissioning in 1969.
Historical Facts
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Origins: USS San Pablo (AGS-30) was originally built as SS Nathaniel Hawthorne, a Liberty ship, during World War II before being converted into an auxiliary survey ship.
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Commissioned Service: She was commissioned by the U.S. Navy on 15 April 1944 and served until she was decommissioned on 17 February 1970.
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Survey Missions: The primary mission of the USS San Pablo was hydrographic surveying, which involved mapping and charting oceanic and coastal waters, crucial for safe navigation.
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Pacific Operations: San Pablo conducted extensive survey operations in the Pacific Ocean, including the Marshall Islands, Mariana Islands, and other areas vital for postwar U.S. naval operations.
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Korean War Service: During the Korean War, San Pablo played a significant role in charting waters around the Korean Peninsula, aiding naval and amphibious operations.
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Unique Equipment: The ship was fitted with specialized survey and mapping equipment, including sounding machines and echo sounders, making her one of the most advanced survey vessels of her time.
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Namesake: She was named after the San Pablo Bay, located near San Francisco, California, continuing the tradition of naming survey ships after geographic features.
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International Collaboration: San Pablo often worked in cooperation with allied nations, sharing hydrographic data that improved navigation safety for commercial and military vessels worldwide.
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Rescue Operations: During her service, San Pablo was also involved in several rescue and humanitarian missions, aiding ships in distress in the Pacific.
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Final Fate: After her decommissioning, the USS San Pablo was struck from the Naval Vessel Register and sold for scrap in 1973, ending nearly three decades of distinguished service.
