USNS Lynch (T-AGOR-7)

USS Lynch (T-AGOR-7) was a Robert D. Conrad-class oceanographic research ship that served the United States Navy from 1965 to 1994. During that period she provided valuable ocean-bottom information and underwater test data to the U.S. Navy and other U.S. agencies.

Built in Point Pleasant, West Virginia
The second ship to be so named by the Navy, Lynch (AGOR 7), an oceanographic survey ship, was laid down 7 September 1962 by Marietta Manufacturing Co., Point Pleasant, West Virginia; launched 17 March 1964; sponsored by Mrs. Walter M. Windsor as proxy for Miss Withers Millard, great great granddaughter of Captain William Francis Lynch; and delivered to the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) Gulf 23 July 1965.

Navy oceanographic service
Following MSTS acceptance, Lynch underwent shakedown training in the Gulf of Mexico. In November 1965 she proceeded to New London, Connecticut, to commence oceanographic research operations. The 15 scientists embarked, working with the latest oceanographic equipment, analyzed ocean currents, the effects of salinity and temperature on sonic transmission, and the effects of pressure on various materials. In early 1966, AGOR-7 commenced research operations using the SPAR (Seagoing Platform for Acoustic Research) in the western Atlantic Ocean. The SPAR is 355 feet long and when partially flooded, acts as a buoy measuring and retransmitting acoustic data to the research ship. Lynch continued research for the Naval Oceanographic Office, operating off the eastern seaboard from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to the Virgin Islands.

Inactivation
On 23 December 1994, Lynch was struck from the Navy List and, on 29 November 2001 Lynch was sold for scrap.