USS Kittiwake ASR-13

The USS Kittiwake (ASR-13) was a remarkable ship in the U.S. Navy, built specifically for submarine rescue. It was laid down on December 5, 1944, by Savannah Machine & Foundry Co. in Savannah, Georgia. The ship launched on July 10, 1945, and was commissioned on July 16, 1946. This was part of a post-World War II push to boost the Navy's submarine rescue and salvage capabilities, highlighting the growing role of submarines in naval warfare.

Named after the kittiwake, a resilient seabird, the ship embodied adaptability and strength. The kittiwake is a small, white gull found in the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans. Its name was chosen to reflect the ship's mission in the challenging and unpredictable ocean environments. The USS Kittiwake lived up to its namesake, undertaking many critical missions to support submarine operations.

The Kittiwake was known for its sturdy build and specialized gear for submarine rescue and salvage. It had a diving chamber, recompression chamber, and tools for underwater cutting and welding. A large crane and winches were crucial for handling heavy loads, essential for aiding disabled submarines. The ship also had a well-equipped medical facility to care for rescued submariners immediately.

The USS Kittiwake left a significant mark on the Navy, playing a vital role in many submarine rescue and salvage missions. Its contributions to the safety and efficiency of the Navy's submarine fleet were invaluable. The ship ensured submariners had a reliable rescue option in emergencies, helping to refine and improve rescue techniques and equipment for future naval personnel.

Part of the Chanticleer-class, the Kittiwake was designed to boost the Navy's submarine rescue capabilities. These ships were equipped with the latest technology and gear, making them highly effective in their roles. Their main purpose was to assist submarines in distress, conduct salvage operations, and support underwater repairs and maintenance.

Commissioned on July 16, 1946, the USS Kittiwake quickly became a key player in the Navy's submarine rescue and salvage operations. Throughout its service, it participated in numerous exercises and real-world missions, showcasing its capabilities and the importance of its role. The Kittiwake's commissioning marked the start of a distinguished career, serving the Navy for decades and leaving a lasting impact on submarine operations' safety and effectiveness.

 

USS Kittiwake ASR-13: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry

The USS Kittiwake (ASR-13) was a Chanticleer-class submarine rescue ship, built to support and rescue submarines in distress. It was a sturdy vessel, measuring 251 feet long and 42 feet wide. This size allowed for all the specialized gear and crew needed for its missions. The hull was tough, ready for deep-sea challenges, and the open deck was perfect for launching and retrieving submersibles and diving bells. The ship's superstructure housed advanced communication and navigation systems, making sure the Kittiwake could handle different maritime environments.

The Kittiwake was packed with cutting-edge tech for its time, crucial for its role in submarine rescues. It had a McCann Rescue Chamber, which could attach to a disabled submarine's escape hatch to safely transfer crew members. There was also a recompression chamber on board to treat divers with decompression sickness, a common risk in deep-sea diving. The ship featured advanced sonar systems to find submarines and other objects on the ocean floor, along with sophisticated underwater communication systems to stay in touch with submerged vessels and divers.

When it came to armament, the USS Kittiwake wasn't heavily armed, as its main job was rescue and support, not combat. It had a couple of 20mm anti-aircraft guns for basic defense against aerial threats. These guns were deck-mounted and could be operated manually or with targeting systems. The Kittiwake's weapons were there to protect the ship and crew during rescue missions, especially in hostile areas where enemy aircraft might be a threat.

Though the Kittiwake wasn't focused on weaponry, its tech and design made it a vital part of the US Navy's submarine fleet. Its ability to carry out complex rescue operations, combined with its advanced equipment and modest defense, ensured it could effectively safeguard submariners' lives. The Kittiwake's work in submarine rescue operations highlighted the importance of specialized support vessels in keeping the Navy's underwater forces ready and safe.

 

Crew Accounts of Time Aboard

The USS Kittiwake (ASR-13) holds a special place in the hearts of its former crew members, who have shared a wealth of memories that paint a vivid picture of life aboard this storied vessel. From the camaraderie and adventures to the challenges and unique experiences, the Kittiwake's legacy is rich with personal anecdotes and historical moments.

**Ellis Aldridge (1990, ENFN)** recalls having a blast on the "Old Girl" and invites former shipmates to reconnect via Facebook. **Tim Allen (1979, BM2)** reminisces about a critical moment when the ship lost its main steering in the North Atlantic, requiring manual steering by chain falls. **Charles Anderson (1968, RD2)** fondly remembers the cat-and-mouse games with Soviet intelligence trawlers while escorting FBM boats out of Rota.

**Dave Archer (1967, PN2)** highlights the tight-knit crew and memorable cruises, including a stormy ten-day return from Europe. **Joel Ashmore (1977, SK3)** cherishes the "Chain Gang" and a notable voyage to Holy Loch, Scotland. **Steve Baker (1991, ENC)** praises the crew and Captain Stewart, recalling great times in Puerto Rico.

**Robert Batchelor (1960, BM 3 DV 2)** enjoyed a Mediterranean trip, visiting Italy, Sicily, Spain, Greece, France, and Gibraltar, as well as a trip to Cuba. **Walt Berghauser (1959, SN/RD3)** shares memories of carrying the captain's BMW Isetta on board and trips to Bermuda and the Mediterranean. **Martin Bickford (1980, BM2/DV)** emphasizes the unforgettable experience of serving on his first ship, with notable moments like footprints on the walls during a North Atlantic trip.

**Wilbur Brooks (1961, BM 3)** recounts his journey from cook striker to BM3, making three Mediterranean cruises. **Steve Brophy (1980, EN2)** stays in close contact with shipmates and recalls the challenging North Atlantic crossing with water in the berthing compartment. **Mike Buckellew (1978, EM3)** enjoyed sailing on a smaller ship and highlights the diverse electrical system and various cruises, including a Caribbean cruise to Haiti and GITMO.

**Zed Cawthon (1963, RD2)** remembers a supply overhaul in Charleston and a Mediterranean trip, later visiting the Kittiwake in Norfolk with his sons. **Ben Chavez (1967, EN3)** is looking for old shipmates and shares memories of his time on the Kittiwake. **Scott Chitwood (1987, BM3)** describes the ship as a "floating frat house" and invites former crew members to reconnect.

**Robert Clark (1964, SN)** and **Robert E Clark (1963, FTG3)** both reflect on their time aboard, with Robert E Clark noting his role as a Firecontrol Technician on a ship without guns. **Jim Cleggett (1981, ENFN)** recalls great times on the "rickety old thing" and the challenging Atlantic crossing. **David Cline (1991, EM1)** humorously remembers the XO's seasickness and praises Captain Trotter.

**Daniel Colwell (1978, MSSN)** served as a cook and visited various ports, including Groton, Nassau, and Holy Loch. **James Crawford (1990, EN3/DV)** is glad to find the Kittiwake page and notes the ship's current status as a reef in the Caribbean. **Charles Curtiss (1969, MR2)** reflects on his Mediterranean cruise and the great crew.

**Charlie Daley (1949, GUNNERS MATE)** and **Bernard Davis (1949, SEAMAN 2ND CLASS)** both share fond memories of their time aboard, with Davis expressing a desire to reconnect with old shipmates. **Anthony De Mercurio (1990, SK)** transferred from the decommissioning crew of the USS Coral Sea and enjoyed his time on the Kittiwake.

**Rand Drake (1986, LT/LCDR)** praises the terrific crew and good diving experiences. **Don Draper (1984, PN1/PNC(SW))** recalls dive operations throughout the Caribbean and his CPO initiation in Holy Loch. **Edward Erickson (1967, SEAMAN)** remembers his first naval experience and the tight crew.

**Douglas Fellows (1974, MS3)** enjoyed his first Navy ship and the extensive underway time. **Tom Flaherty (1983, ET3/2)** has vivid memories of his time aboard, including his first day on the ship. **Fred Furnell (1969, EN2)** recalls the challenges of keeping the ship operational but always completing missions.

**Jose Garcia (1988, EM3)** worked with a crazy crew and enjoyed the various ports. **Alan Gardner (1962, RM3)** remembers a hurricane during a Mediterranean tour and the loss of a life raft. **Sherman Gaskins (1965, E-3)** recounts an emergency breakaway to Scotland for a rescue mission and encountering heavy seas.

**Doug German (1980, EM2)** has fond memories of great ports and shipmates. **Billy Gladden (1971, HT)** had a challenging experience due to leadership and duties. **Sterling Graham (1967, RM3)** served during the Scorpion search and relayed messages for the task force.

**Randy Groft (1970, SN)** recalls his first ship and the great experiences with shipmates. **Teddy Hanko (1952, EN 2)** wants to reconnect with Bob Craycraft. **Fred Himmelreich (1969, QM3)** reflects on the great times despite rough weather and a demanding captain.

**Patrick Horvath (1958, PETTY OFFICER 2ND CLASS, SIGNALMAN)** cherishes the four years he served and the loyal crew. **Charles Jackson (1989, EN3)** is glad to find the page and reconnect with old shipmates. **Todd Jackson (1988, ET2)** served under multiple skippers and had mixed experiences.

**Michael Jenkins (1961, QM3)** wants to hear from old shipmates. **Morgan John (1983, EN-3)** has a lifetime of memories from his time aboard. **John Jones (1983, QM3)** recalls the crazy underway schedules and memorable four-point moors.

**Todd Kasuboske (1979, QM2)** had the best times of his life on the Kittiwake, working hard and partying harder. **Bob Klosterman (1966, MR 3RD CLASS)** remembers the times and the crazy captain. **Larry Koch (1969, RM3)** highlights the fun times and the hidden beer chest in the radio room.

**Erick Kurz (1980, MM2)** worked with various shipmates and saw the ship through different leadership changes. **Todd Lamb (1969, BOATSWAINS MATE 3RD CLASS)** enjoyed the Med trips and the camaraderie. **George R Langford (1964, LCDR)** is memorialized by his family for his proud command.

**Adam Langstone (1970, IC1)** reflects on how the Kittiwake shaped his life. **Walt Laster (1967, LTJG)** matured during his time aboard and remembers the Scorpion search. **Roy Lay (1969, RM2)** shares memories of good times and the hidden trap door in the radio shack.

**James Lovelady (1984, EN3)** has great memories and friends from his time aboard. **Andrew Maggard (1972, CWO)** remembers the Kittiwake with fondness despite the challenges. **Tom Martin (1981, CDR)** enjoyed his first surface ship experience and the professionalism of the crew.

**Lee Massey (1981, ENFN)** had a great time during the ship's last dry dock and refit. **James Mayberry (1984, EN 2)** enjoyed the beautiful places and great times. **Joseph Joe McConnell (1979, RM2)** recalls friends and the challenging North Atlantic trip.

**John McGrath (1980, ENS/LT(JG))** had three blissful years and retired as LCDR. **Don McMurray (1962, BM2)** remembers the Med cruise and the Congo lounge in Norfolk. **J. David Melvin (1955, ENGINEMAN SECOND CLASS)** recalls the Spring Board 56 cruise and the four-point moorings.

**George Milonas (1976, SN)** is honored to have served and experienced ship duty. **Pete Monks (1973, QMSN)** notes the ship's transformation into a reef. **Walter Morrison (1968, EN2/E5)** remembers the Scorpion search and trading movies with the Gato SSN615.

**David Morton (1988, BM3)** humorously recalls the ship and misses Chief Curtis. **Paul Morton (1979, EM3)** had good and bad times and wants to reconnect with shipmates. **Eddie Muniz (1982, SA)** wishes he had taken his Navy career more seriously.

**Eric Neitzer (1987, ENC/DV)** remembers the challenges of standing watch and water skiing in the Atlantic. **Charles Nelson (1962, SN)** is memorialized by his brother. **Sean Osborne (1988, HT2 (DV))** recalls the ship's challenges and memories of MDV Behnke.

**Kenneth Pacheco (1962, SIGNALMAN 3RD CLASS)** had a great time and became a police officer and narcotics agent. **Jeff Pack (1987, ENFN)** wishes his time aboard had lasted longer. **Scott Patterson (1990, BM3)** sends blessings to his shipmates.

**Robert Peck (1975, EN2)** started his sea career on the Kittiwake and praises CWO Maggard. **Anthony Perez (1986, EN3)** spent four years waiting to leave but had good shipmates. **David Phillips (1979, LT)** recalls the great ASR sailors and a humorous moment with McGrath.

**Mayland Piotrowski (1954, CS3)** wants to reconnect with fellow shipmates. **Jefferson Prestridge (1963, RM3)** remembers the Med cruise and the Cuban blockade. **Danny Primes (1967, RADIOMAN 3RD CLASS)** had good times until a challenging captain took over.

**Steve Punch (1976, E-5)** has fond memories of hard work and long hours. **Charles Rakestraw (1988, E5)** enjoyed every minute of his first ship. **Clifford Ridley (1984, MSSR - MS2)** recalls the best of times and the Kittiwake Wrestling Championships.

**Donald Roberts (1966, SHIPFITTER)** had some of the best days of his life aboard. **Dennis C. Rosa (1971, DECK-APE)** wishes he had stayed in the Navy and recalls the good times. **Steve Rouse (1978, HT2)** enjoyed his first ship and the various ports.

**Bob Russo (1975, STG2)** cooked breakfast in-port and met good friends. **Mike Salter (1970, E 3)** appreciates the experience in retrospect. **Richard Savarese (1965, SN)** recalls the captains, sub escort, and various cruises.

**Norbert Semenkow (1962, SN)** found his travels educational and remembers the tension during the Cuban crisis. **Vincent Serino (1976, E-4 ENGINEMEN)** had great times and friends. **Ron Shirk (1986, EM-1 (SW/DV))** has fond memories of the ship and crew.

**Patrick Sisler (1981, BM1(SW))** misses the four-point moors and diving ops. **Gary Stutzman (1966, SN)** will never forget riding out a hurricane. **Walt Sullivan (1985, EN2)** lists shipmates and invites them to reconnect.

**Mike Tacovelli (1983, MIKE TACOVELLI)** recalls the challenges and bad command. **David Vaughan (1980, EN2)** enjoyed working with the crew and officers. **Stan Versnick (1982, EM3)** had a great time and learned a lot about the Navy.

**Mark Watters (1967, PN3)** enjoyed his short tenure and the search for the USS Scorpion. **Jim Whitehill (1988, EN1SW)** praises the command and the engineering team. **William Wordman (1954, MM2 / DIVER 1ST CLASS)** wants to find former crew members.

**Paul Yahnig (1963, EN 3)** recalls the 1963 Med cruise and a near-overboard incident.

These memories collectively highlight the USS Kittiwake's rich history, the strong bonds formed among its crew, and the diverse experiences that have left a lasting impact on those who served aboard.

 

USS Kittiwake ASR-13: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet

The USS Kittiwake (ASR-13) was a remarkable ship with a rich history. Commissioned in 1946, it was built as a submarine rescue vessel, equipped with cutting-edge diving and salvage gear for its time. Over the years, the Kittiwake received several upgrades, like advanced sonar systems and improved diving bells. These enhancements kept it relevant and capable of supporting modern submarines and other naval vessels in complex underwater environments.

The Kittiwake's mission capabilities were diverse. It was primarily tasked with submarine rescue operations but was also equipped for deep-sea diving missions, underwater repairs, and salvage operations. The crew, made up of skilled divers and engineers, could handle intricate underwater tasks. The ship also played a key role in training exercises, serving as a platform for submarine escape and rescue drills. This versatility made the Kittiwake an essential asset, ready to tackle a wide range of maritime emergencies.

Throughout its service, the USS Kittiwake made significant contributions to the fleet. It participated in many high-profile missions, including the recovery efforts following the tragic loss of the USS Thresher (SSN-593) in 1963. The Kittiwake's involvement in this mission highlighted its critical role in submarine rescue and recovery operations. The ship also supported scientific and exploratory missions, contributing to underwater research and the testing of new naval technologies. These efforts not only boosted the U.S. Navy's operational readiness but also advanced underwater exploration and technology.

The legacy of the USS Kittiwake lives on even after its decommissioning. In 2011, it was transformed into an artificial reef off the coast of Grand Cayman. This new role allows the Kittiwake to continue serving the maritime community in a different way. As an artificial reef, it provides a habitat for marine life and a unique diving site for enthusiasts, supporting marine conservation and tourism. The Kittiwake's enduring legacy highlights its lasting impact on naval operations and the broader maritime environment, securing its place in naval history.

 

USS Kittiwake ASR-13: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations

The USS Kittiwake (ASR-13) was a key player in the U.S. Navy, mainly serving as a submarine rescue vessel. It was all about keeping submariners safe and effective. The Kittiwake was always ready for action, equipped with top-notch diving and salvage gear. It was a go-to for underwater recovery and repair. The ship traveled to strategic spots, ready to help submarines in trouble or tackle tricky underwater tasks.

During its time, the Kittiwake was part of some big moments, especially during the Cold War. It played a role in the aftermath of the USS Thresher (SSN-593) tragedy in 1963, one of the Navy's worst submarine disasters. The Kittiwake's skills were crucial in the search and recovery efforts, showing just how important it was for submarine rescue. It also took part in various Cold War exercises, providing a sense of security to the submarine fleet in risky waters.

The Kittiwake's hard work didn't go unnoticed. The ship and its crew earned several awards, like the Navy Unit Commendation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. These honors highlighted the ship's exceptional service and the crew's teamwork and professionalism. The Kittiwake's ability to handle tough situations and respond to emergencies earned it a special place in naval history.

Beyond its missions, the Kittiwake helped advance submarine rescue and salvage techniques. Its operations provided valuable insights that shaped future underwater operations. Even after it was decommissioned in 1994, the Kittiwake's legacy lives on. Today, it rests as an artificial reef off Grand Cayman, supporting marine life and divers. It's a fitting tribute to a ship that once protected submariners beneath the waves.

 

USS Kittiwake ASR-13 Ship Specifications

Specification	Details
Class	Chanticleer Class Submarine Rescue Ship
Commissioned	July 18, 1946
Displacement	2,141 tons
Length	251.3 feet
Beam	42 feet
Draft	14 feet
Speed	14 knots
Complement	6 Officers 96 Enlisted