USNS Sumner (T-AGS-61) is a Pathfinder-class oceanographic survey vessel that entered service in 1997. As the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name Sumner, it honors Thomas Hubbard Sumner, an American sea captain credited with discovering the principles of celestial navigation by circle of equal altitude. The vessel's primary mission involves conducting detailed oceanographic surveys, supporting navigation, and scientific research. The ship features a modern design tailored for oceanographic operations, operated by a small crew of civilian mariners complemented by a smaller contingent of U.S. Navy personnel. Although specific technical specifications such as length, displacement, and propulsion are not detailed in the provided source, Pathfinder-class ships are generally known for their advanced survey capabilities and specialized equipment suited for deep-sea mapping and data collection. In its service history, USNS Sumner was scheduled to be taken out of active service around 2014. Reports indicate that there was consideration of transferring the vessel to the United States Coast Guard, where it would be repurposed as a permanent helicopter station for counter-smuggling operations in the Caribbean Sea. Retrofitting the ship for helicopter operations was estimated to cost approximately $10 million, with the goal of enabling rapid deployment of Coast Guard sharpshooters and interdiction teams. By late 2014, the vessel was stricken from the Naval Vessel Registry with a disposition of transfer. The MARAD National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) records list her at the Beaumont Reserve Fleet in Texas, with notes indicating her scheduled disposal. This transition marks the end of her active service as a Navy oceanographic survey ship and highlights her potential future role in maritime interdiction and law enforcement. Overall, USNS Sumner exemplifies the specialized oceanographic research fleet of the U.S. Navy, with a service life reflecting evolving maritime needs and missions.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.