HMS Challenger as survey ship, escort, and test bed

This Challenger was a purpose-built survey vessel rather than the Victorian expedition ship. She surveyed across the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, western Pacific, Persian Gulf, and Far East, while also serving as a convoy escort during the Second World War. Her worldwide itinerary demonstrates how hydrographic work accumulated operational knowledge across several theaters rather than one home station. Survey vessels using merchant-style hulls also contributed practical experience to the Royal Navy's search for economical anti-submarine escorts.