Van Allen radiation belt
In 1958 "Norton Sound" participated in Operation Argus. From south of the Falkland Islands she launched three rockets carrying low-yield atomic warheads. Detonations occurred at an altitude of , and effects were monitored by the Explorer IV satellite and other instrumented rockets. Analysis of the data contributed to the discovery of the Van Allen radiation belt. Her commanding officer, Captain Arthur R. Gralla, received the Legion of Merit for his role leading the task force responsible for these tests.During its years of service the USS Norton Sound AVM-1 was affectionately called "The Galloping Ghost of Hueneme Bay."