High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! USNS Robert D. Conrad (T-AGOR-3) was a Robert D. Conrad-class oceanographic research ship that served the U.S. Navy from 1962 to 1989. During that period while operated by Columbia University -- she provided valuable ocean-bottom information and underwater test data to the U.S. Navy and other U.S. Agencies. Robert D. Conrad (AGOR-3) was laid down in January 1961 by Gibbs Shipyards, Inc., Jacksonville, Florida; launched on 26 May 1962; sponsored by Mrs. Edmund B. Taylor; and completed and delivered to the Navy in November 1962.