STRATOSPHERIC BALLOON BASES IN THE WORLD

Launches at sea

from landing ship docks, icebreakers, transport ships and research vessels

USS Colonial (LSD-18)

USS Colonial (LSD-18)

Landing ship dock. "Casa Grande" class

Used as balloon launch platform during a campaign in 1956 in the Pacific Ocean off shore San Diego.
Total number of launches done: 10
USCGC Eastwind (WAGB 279)

USCGC Eastwind (WAGB 279)

US Coast Guard Icebreaker. "Wind" class.

Used as balloon launch platform in several arctic cruises between 1952 and 1955.
Estimated number of launches done: 50
USS Staten Island (AGB-5)

USS Staten Island (AGB-5)

US Coast Guard Icebreaker. "Wind" class.

Used as balloon launch platform during an arctic cruise in 1955.
Estimated number of launches done: 30
USS Wood County (LST-1178)

USS Wood County (LST-1178)

"De Soto County" clss tank transport and landing ship

Used as balloon launch platform during a short campaign in 1964, in front of Virginia coast, US.
Total number of launches done: 4

Other ships used to launch balloons to be included in StratoCat in the near future

  • Egabragg III - Research Vessel
  • Research Vessel Hakuho Maru
  • USCGC Glacier (WAGB-4)
  • RV Triton
  • USS Atka (AGB-3)
  • MV Independence
  • USS Plymouth Rock (LSD29)
  • USS Norton Sound (AVM-1)
  • USS Lamar (PCE-899)
  • ARA Comodoro Augusto Lasserre (Q 9)
  • Constanta (NSSL 281)
  • USS Currituck (AV-7)