(AGS-25: dp. 1,320; l. 209'; b. 39'; dr. 14; s. 17 k.; cpl. 26; a. none; cl. Kellar)
John Gilbert Kellar, born 11 March 1871 near Peoria, Ill., graduated from Dartmouth College in 1893 and studied civil engineering at the University of Colorado in 1898 and 1899. As a civilian hydrographic engineer, he was appointed to the Hydrographic Office in 1908. Between 1908 and 1927 he served as civilian leader of ocean and coastal survey cruises and completed 15 cruises off the coasts of Panama, Cuba, and Nicaragua. Renowned for this contributions to the fields of geodesy, hydrography, and astronomy, he invented the Altitude-Azimuth Star Plotter and Identifier. In addition, he published "Manual of Hydrographic Surveying" in 1927 and "Glossary of Cartographic Terms" in 1943. He retired in 1943 and died 20 October 1947 in Washington, D.C.
Kellar (AGS-25) was laid down by Marietta Mfg. Co., Point Pleasant, W. Va., 20 November 1962; launched 30 July 1964; sponsored by Mrs. Harriet K. Pond; transferred to Boland Machine Mfg. Co., New Orleans, La., 30 July 1966 for completion of construction; and scheduled for completion in the winter of 1968.
Once commissioned, Kellar will provide valuable assistance to the Navy as a far-ranging hydrographic and oceanographic survey ship. Operating under the control of the Hydrographic Office, she will possess the latest survey equipment, with which she can compile field charts and amphibious data. During the continuing task of "keeping the peace" over the vast reaches of global waters, she will contribute vital information for determining potential amphibious landing sites. In addition she will be able to transport and support a combat coastal survey team.
