USS Frank Cable AS-40
The USS Frank Cable (AS-40) is a remarkable ship in the U.S. Navy, serving as a submarine tender. Built by Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company in Seattle, Washington, her keel was laid on October 2, 1976, and she was launched on January 14, 1978. Constructing the USS Frank Cable was a big deal, involving cutting-edge engineering to ensure she could support submarine operations effectively.
Named after Frank Taylor Cable, the ship honors a pioneer in early submarine development. Cable was an electrical engineer and inventor who worked closely with John Philip Holland, the father of the modern submarine. His contributions were key in proving submarines' viability to the U.S. Navy, making him a fitting namesake for a vessel dedicated to submarine support.
The USS Frank Cable stands out for her extensive repair and maintenance capabilities. She's got machine shops, electronic repair facilities, and even medical and dental services. This setup allows her to provide comprehensive support to submarines, keeping them mission-ready. She can also supply submarines with fuel, food, and other essentials, making her a crucial part of the submarine fleet's readiness.
The ship's legacy in the U.S. Navy is significant. As a submarine tender, she's been vital in extending the operational range and effectiveness of the Navy's submarines. By offering maintenance, repairs, and logistical support, the USS Frank Cable helps submarines stay at sea longer, boosting their strategic capabilities. Her contributions are especially valuable during times of heightened military activity when submarine readiness is critical.
Part of the Emory S. Land-class of submarine tenders, the USS Frank Cable is designed to support the Navy's submarine fleet. These ships are built to provide maintenance, repair, and logistical support, allowing submarines to continue their missions without needing to return to port. The design incorporates advanced technology and facilities, making them indispensable to the Navy's operations.
Commissioned on October 20, 1979, the USS Frank Cable has been a key part of the Navy's support infrastructure for submarines. Over the years, she's undergone various upgrades to keep up with advancements in submarine technology and meet the Navy's evolving needs. Her enduring service and adaptability highlight her importance and the critical role she plays in maintaining the operational readiness of the U.S. submarine fleet.
USS Frank Cable AS-40: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Frank Cable (AS-40) is a submarine tender, a special kind of ship that keeps submarines in top shape. It's like a floating repair shop, ready to tackle all sorts of maintenance and logistical needs. The ship's built tough, with a strong hull and a superstructure packed with workshops, machine shops, and storage spaces. It carries a big crew, including skilled technicians and engineers, who handle everything from minor fixes to major overhauls. Plus, it's got plenty of room for everyone to eat and sleep, including the folks from the submarines it supports.
Technology-wise, the Frank Cable is loaded with cutting-edge gear. It's got advanced diagnostic tools, CAD systems, and even 3D printing capabilities. This means the crew can fix just about anything right on the ship. Communication and navigation systems are top-notch too, making sure the ship stays in sync with the submarines and other naval units.
Now, while the Frank Cable isn't a combat ship, it's got some defensive tricks up its sleeve. It's armed with small arms and close-in weapon systems (CIWS) to fend off threats from the air and sea. The Phalanx CIWS is a key player here, acting as a last line of defense against missiles and aircraft. There are also .50 caliber machine guns and other small arms to handle potential boarding threats. These defenses are crucial for keeping the ship safe in dicey situations.
Beyond its own defenses, the Frank Cable plays a vital role in arming the submarines it supports. It's equipped with facilities for handling torpedoes, missiles, and other submarine munitions. The ship has safe storage areas and equipment for loading and unloading these weapons. The crew is well-trained in handling and maintaining these munitions, ensuring the submarines are always ready for action. This capability is a big part of what makes the USS Frank Cable so important to the fleet.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Frank Cable (AS-40) has been a significant part of many sailors' lives, as evidenced by the numerous guestbook posts from its former crew members. These posts span several decades, from the ship's early days in the late 1970s to the early 2000s, and they paint a vivid picture of life aboard the submarine tender.
Early Years and Plankowners (1979-1982)
The ship's early years were marked by the experiences of its plankowners, those who were part of the pre-commissioning crew. William Dane Williams recalls the journey from Seattle through the Panama Canal to various ports, including GITMO and the US Virgin Islands. Frank Adams, another proud plankowner, worked in the outside machine shop and planning department, reminiscing about the camaraderie and the character of his fellow sailors. La Vern Allen, also a plankowner, fondly remembers the transit through the Panama Canal and the ship's homeport at Pier Mike in Charleston, SC.
Memorable Cruises and Deployments (1980s)
The 1980s saw the USS Frank Cable embark on several memorable cruises. Bev Dziewik, who served in the mid-1980s, recalls her time as a storekeeper and the Mediterranean cruise of 1988. Reta Fain, who served in 1985, highlights her marriage to DC1 Joe Moody and their subsequent retirement as Chiefs. Michael Amado, a lieutenant in 1988, describes his tour as the fastest three years of his naval career, particularly enjoying the nine-month trip to Italy. Sandra Anderson, who also served in 1988, is eager to reconnect with old friends and suggests a reunion.
Life Aboard and Friendships (1990s)
The 1990s brought a mix of experiences for the crew. Charity Slot, who served in 1992, fondly remembers hanging out with her friends and now enjoys life in Salt Lake City. Shannon Wofford, who initially hated the ship in 1993, eventually had a blast and formed close bonds with her shopmates. Troy Adams, who served in 1991, lists numerous colleagues he worked with, indicating the strong connections formed during his time on the ship. Heather Alexander, who served in 1990, reflects on the life lessons she learned aboard the ship, despite the challenges.
Transition to Guam and New Beginnings (1995-2000)
The mid-1990s saw the USS Frank Cable transition from Charleston to Guam. Art Bailey, who served in 1995, recalls the tough duty but the great friendships and softball teams. Keith Banda, also in 1995, enjoyed his time with the divers and living in a tent at the beach at Anderson AFB. The transition to Guam brought new experiences and challenges, as noted by Casey Bressem, who was part of the original transition crew and enjoyed the diving and weather in Guam.
Reflections and Lasting Memories (2000s)
The early 2000s continued to be a period of reflection and lasting memories for the crew. Shineka Bolden, who served in 2000, had a blast and met unforgettable people. Neil Alumia, who served in 2001, praises the crew of the Frank Cable as the best he ever worked with. Melvin Balajadia, also in 2001, enjoyed teaching Polynesian dancing to the crew for the Asian/Pacific Heritage Month celebrations. Megan Hibbs, who served in 2006, misses Guam and the great duty station that the Cable provided.
Challenges and Growth
Throughout the years, the crew faced various challenges but also experienced significant personal and professional growth. Michael Candeloro, who served in 2002, found the command disorganized but was glad to leave. In contrast, Barry Glasscock, who served in 1998, found his tour tough but memorable, especially with the phasing out of the Instrumentman rate.
Camaraderie and Reunions
The sense of camaraderie and the desire to reconnect with old shipmates is a recurring theme. Many crew members, like John Badger and Dennis Badurina, who served in the late 1970s, express a longing to hear from their old friends. Others, like Todd Anderson and Billy Austin, reminisce about the good times and the friendships formed during their service.
In summary, the memories shared by the crew members of the USS Frank Cable (AS-40) highlight the ship's significant impact on their lives. From the early days of pre-commissioning to the transitions and deployments, the experiences aboard the Frank Cable have left lasting impressions and forged lifelong friendships.
USS Frank Cable AS-40: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Frank Cable (AS-40) has been a cornerstone of the U.S. Navy since it was commissioned in 1980. Over the years, it's seen numerous upgrades to keep it at the forefront of naval support. One major overhaul happened in the early 2000s, focusing on modernizing its engineering and communication systems. This included installing cutting-edge radar and sonar, boosting propulsion, and upgrading navigation tools. The crew's living conditions got a facelift too, with better quarters and recreational spaces. These changes have not only extended the ship's life but also made it more efficient and reliable in its missions.
The Frank Cable's mission is all about versatility. As a submarine tender, it provides essential maintenance, logistics, and repair services to submarines and surface ships. It's equipped with specialized workshops, cranes, and storage to handle a wide range of repairs, from mechanical to electronic. The ship also has top-notch medical and dental facilities, ensuring the crew's health is well taken care of. Plus, it can resupply submarines with food, fuel, and other necessities, allowing them to stay out at sea longer and operate in remote areas.
The impact of the USS Frank Cable on the fleet is significant. As a forward-deployed asset, it plays a key role in keeping the U.S. Navy's submarine force in the Pacific ready and operational. By providing timely maintenance and repairs, the Frank Cable helps submarines stay at sea longer, boosting their strategic and combat capabilities. Its presence in strategic locations like Guam acts as a force multiplier, helping the Navy maintain a strong maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific. This is crucial in today's world, where geopolitical tensions are on the rise and quick responses to threats are essential.
Beyond its direct support roles, the Frank Cable is also a hub for training and readiness exercises. It regularly takes part in joint exercises with allied navies, which enhances cooperation and interoperability. These exercises are great for the crew to sharpen their skills and for the ship to showcase its capabilities in different scenarios. The Frank Cable also serves as a testing ground for new technologies and procedures, contributing to the Navy's ongoing improvement in maintenance and support operations. Through these varied roles, the USS Frank Cable remains a vital asset, ensuring the U.S. Navy's submarine force is always ready and effective.
USS Frank Cable AS-40: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
USS Frank Cable (AS-40) has been a cornerstone of the U.S. Navy since it was commissioned in 1980. Its main job? Keeping submarines and surface ships ready for action. Frank Cable provides maintenance, repair, and logistical support, ensuring these vessels are always mission-capable. It's been all over the world, from the Western Pacific to the Indian Ocean, supporting forward-deployed naval forces. These deployments are crucial for maintaining the U.S. maritime presence, especially during tense geopolitical times.
In major conflicts, Frank Cable has been indispensable. During the Gulf War in the early '90s, it was a key player in Operation Desert Storm, providing vital support to submarines and surface ships. Its ability to perform complex repairs at sea meant combat ships could stay on station longer, boosting the effectiveness of naval operations. More recently, Frank Cable has supported the Global War on Terrorism, ensuring submarines and surface ships are ready for missions against terrorism and piracy in critical maritime areas.
Frank Cable's service hasn't gone unnoticed. It's received numerous awards, like the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Navy E Ribbon, recognizing its outstanding performance and operational excellence. These awards reflect the crew's dedication and professionalism, consistently performing under challenging conditions. The ship's commitment to excellence is also shown by its repeated recognition for safety and efficiency in maintenance operations, highlighting its vital role in the Navy's logistical and operational framework.
Beyond its operational achievements, Frank Cable has been praised for its humanitarian efforts. It's participated in disaster relief missions, providing critical support after natural disasters. After the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Frank Cable was deployed to help with relief operations, delivering essential supplies and medical aid. These missions showcase the ship's versatility and the crew's unwavering commitment to service, both in conflict and peace. Through its diverse roles and numerous deployments, USS Frank Cable has solidified its reputation as a key player in the U.S. Navy's operational capabilities.
USS Frank Cable AS-40 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Emory S Land Class Submarine Tender |
| Commissioned | October 29, 1979 |
| Displacement | 22,978 tons |
| Length | 649 feet |
| Beam | 85 feet |
| Draft | 29 feet |
| Speed | 21 knots |
| Complement | 1,500 |