 The ex-"Harry L. Glucksman" was placed in service as an Atlantic Fleet Mine Force research and development project, officially a "device" for testing, and designated Minesweeper, Special, MSS-1.The "device," arriving at Charleston, South Carolina in August 1969, was intended to test the feasibility of using an "unsinkable" ship to produce by its own hull and special magnetic coils ringing the main deck the magnetic and pressure signature of a larger ship.MSS-1, displacing nearly 15,000 tons, was filled ith about of styrofoam and all compartments below the waterline were flooded for ballast.