USNS Michelson T-AGS-23 was converted from the WWII Victory ship SS Joliet Victory. Joliet Victory was a type VC2-S-AP3 cargo hull, built in 1944 by the Oregon Shipbuilding Co., Portland OR, Maritime Commission hull number (MCV) 114. Her keel was laid on May 5, 1944 and she was delivered on Jul 7, 1944, an incredible construction time of 63 days! SS Joliet Victory was converted to an Oceanographic Survey Ship (AGS) at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard from 10 Oct 1957 to 30 Sep 1958.

Displacement: 4,420 Tons (Light)
Length Overall: 455'-3"
Beam: 62'-1 5/8"
Draft: 23 ft.
Speed: 16.5 kts.
Propulsion: Cross compound steam turbine with double reduction gear: 8,500hp
Single Screw, Diameter: 18'-3"
Fuel: Navy Special (Bunker "C") oil
Fuel capacity: 19,023.3 barrels (2882.3 tons)
Range: 21,300 miles

International Radio Call Sign and Signal Flag Hoist NXLY November-Xray-Lima-Yankee