About this Unit
USS Tanner (AGS-15) began her service as USS Pamina (AKA-34), an attack cargo ship commissioned in 1944 and active in the Pacific during World War II. In 1946, she was converted to a survey ship and renamed USS Tanner in honor of distinguished hydrographer Zera Luther Tanner. From 1946 to 1969, USS Tanner conducted extensive hydrographic and oceanographic surveys, supporting naval and scientific operations around the world, including the Mediterranean, the North Atlantic, and the Arctic. She played a vital role in charting previously uncharted waters, enhancing navigation safety for both military and civilian vessels before being decommissioned in 1969.
Historical Facts
• World War II Origins: USS Tanner (AGS-15) was originally launched as USS Pamina (AKA-34), an Artemis-class attack cargo ship, in 1944, and served in the Pacific theater during World War II.
• Renamed and Converted: In 1946, the ship was converted into a survey ship and renamed USS Tanner, in honor of Zera Luther Tanner, a noted U.S. Navy oceanographer.
• Hydrographic Surveys: USS Tanner played a vital role in conducting hydrographic surveys, mapping uncharted waters, and supporting navigation safety in many parts of the world.
• Cold War Service: During the Cold War, Tanner surveyed coastal areas, including strategic regions in the Mediterranean and North Atlantic, to assist Navy operations.
• Arctic Explorations: The ship participated in Arctic missions and conducted surveys in remote northern waters, contributing to improved nautical charts and scientific knowledge.
• Support for Submarine Operations: Tanner’s surveys were crucial for submarine navigation, laying the groundwork for safe passages and operations under the polar ice and in other critical regions.
• Operation Deep Freeze: USS Tanner supported Operation Deep Freeze, the U.S. mission to Antarctica, helping survey and chart routes for supply ships and research expeditions.
• Vietnam War Era: During the 1960s, the ship operated in Southeast Asia, providing survey support to U.S. Navy operations in the Vietnam War theater.
• Decorations and Honors: USS Tanner earned several campaign medals and commendations throughout her service life, reflecting her important contributions to naval operations.
• Decommissioning and Fate: After nearly three decades of service, USS Tanner was decommissioned in 1969 and eventually sold for scrap, but her legacy endures in the improved charts and knowledge she provided to the U.S. Navy and maritime community.
