OPNAV INSTRUCTION 05727.1B text

                                                     OPNAVINST 05727.1B
                                                     Op-007 (OI-500)
                                                     Ser 030P007
CONFIDENTIAL                                         1 June 1966

OPNAV INSTRUCTION 05727.1B

From: Chief of Naval Operations
To: Distribution List

Subj: Information releases concerning Technical Research Ships (U)

1. Purpose. The purpose of this Instruction is to provide information
and guidance concerning all forms of public relations in regard to
Technical Research Ships (AGTR).

2. Cancellation. This Instruction supersedes and cancels OPNAV
Instruction 05727.1A of 13 April 1964.

3. Background. The Technical Research Ships are ships which have been
especially configured to conduct classified communications and electronics
operations. Since USS OXFORD (AGTR-1), a Liberty Ship conversion, was
commissioned as the Navy's first Technical Research Ship, four others
have been commissioned: USS GEORGETOWN (AGTR-2) and USS JAMESTOWN (AGTR-3),
converted from Liberty Hulls; and USS BELMONT (AGTR-4) and USS LIBERTY
(AGTR-5), converted from Victory Hulls.

4. Guidance. Publicity concerning the classified nature of the mission
and operations of AGTRs is not in the best interest of the Navy. The
unclassified mission for an AGTR is: "To conduct technical research
operations in support of U. S. Navy electronic research projects which
include electronicmagnetic propagation studies and advanced communications
systems such as satellite communications." Every precaution must be
taken, as appropriate, to:

    a. Provide for an effective public information program, based on
the unclassified mission, and designed to fulfill the valid interests
of the general public, press, and scientific activities without
compromising the classified mission.

    b. Minimize press speculation and unauthorized discussions on, or
relative to, the classified potentialities of AGTRs.

    c. Preclude the compromise of classified information during visits
of individuals or groups to AGTRs.

CONFIDENTIAL

OPNAVINST 05727.1B
1 June 1966

    d. Preclude the compromise of classified information by unauthorized
and/or released photography.

5. Action. The Chief of Information shall have cognizance over all
forms of public information material relative to Technical Research Ships,
including that to be used for industrial advertisement, personnel
recruiting, training, public displays of any type, and speeches or
statements, made on radio or TV programs, and at public meetings or
conferences, wherein all recipients are not authorized to receive clas-
sified material. The Chief of Information will coordinate the security
review of all information releases.

                          /s/ H. L. MILLER
                                 By direction
Distribution:
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Document referenced in messages:

081614Z JUN 67 CHINFO
090546Z JUN 67 COMSIXTHFLT
090654Z JUN 67 COMSIXTHFLT
112005Z JUN 67 USS AMERICA