USS Opportune ARS-41

The USS Opportune (ARS-41) was a Bolster-class rescue and salvage ship built for the U.S. Navy during World War II. Her keel was laid down on November 23, 1944, at the Basalt Rock Company shipyard in Napa, California. She was launched on February 17, 1945, and officially commissioned on June 22, 1945. The Navy needed ships like Opportune to boost their salvage operations, crucial during wartime for recovering damaged ships and keeping naval operations safe.

Named "Opportune" to highlight her mission, she was all about being in the right place at the right time. Her job was to be ready to help vessels in distress, a perfect name for a ship built to perform under tough conditions. Quick and decisive action was her game, saving lives and recovering valuable naval assets.

What made the USS Opportune stand out? Her strong build and specialized gear for salvage work. She had heavy-duty winches, cranes, and towing equipment, ready for all sorts of salvage tasks. Plus, she was equipped with diving gear and decompression chambers, so divers could do underwater repairs and recoveries. Her design focused on durability and versatility, making her a key player in the Navy's salvage operations.

The legacy of the USS Opportune is all about her big contributions to naval salvage and rescue missions. She took part in many operations, providing crucial support in recovering damaged vessels and ensuring the safety of naval personnel. Her performance showed just how important dedicated salvage ships are, leading to more investment in and development of these capabilities.

As part of the Bolster-class, Opportune was among a series of rescue and salvage ships designed during World War II. These ships were built to meet the Navy's need for specialized vessels capable of complex salvage operations. With advanced technology and equipment, they were some of the most capable salvage vessels of their time. Their main job was to support the recovery and repair of damaged ships, keeping the Navy's fleet ready for action.

Commissioned on June 22, 1945, the USS Opportune quickly became a vital part of the Navy's salvage operations. Her commissioning marked the start of a distinguished career, playing a crucial role in various rescue and salvage missions. Her capabilities and performance highlighted the importance of having dedicated salvage ships, contributing to the overall effectiveness and resilience of the naval fleet. The USS Opportune's service was a testament to the critical role of salvage ships in maintaining naval operations and supporting the broader mission of the United States Navy.

 

USS Opportune ARS-41: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry

The USS Opportune (ARS-41) was a Bolster-class rescue and salvage ship, known for its tough and adaptable design. This ship was built to handle the challenges of salvage operations in all kinds of maritime environments. It measured about 213 feet long and 39 feet wide, with a displacement of around 1,400 tons. The hull was reinforced to handle the stress of towing and heavy lifting, striking a balance between strength and stability. The superstructure provided plenty of space for the crew, control rooms, and equipment storage, making sure the ship could run smoothly on long missions.

The Opportune was packed with cutting-edge technology for its time, allowing it to tackle a variety of salvage and rescue tasks. It had powerful winches and cranes for lifting heavy loads, crucial for recovering sunken ships and underwater objects. The ship also featured advanced diving systems, including decompression chambers and diving bells, enabling divers to work safely at great depths. Its navigation and communication systems were top-notch, ensuring precise coordination during complex missions and smooth interaction with other naval units.

While not primarily a combat ship, the Opportune was equipped with defensive weapons to protect itself during operations. It carried a single 3-inch/50 caliber gun for moderate firepower against surface threats, along with several .50 caliber machine guns for close-range defense against smaller, fast-moving targets. These weapons allowed the ship to defend itself and its crew in hostile environments, though its main focus was always on salvage and rescue, not combat.

The ship's defenses were bolstered by other tools like smoke generators and chaff launchers, which could obscure its position and confuse enemy radar. These countermeasures were vital for the ship's survival in dangerous situations. The crew was well-trained in defensive tactics and emergency procedures, ready to handle any threats during their missions. With its strong build, advanced tech, and defensive gear, the USS Opportune was a capable and resilient part of the US Navy's fleet.

Crew Accounts of Time Aboard

The USS Opportune (ARS-41) holds a treasure trove of memories for its former crew members, spanning decades of service and countless adventures. The guestbook posts from these sailors paint a vivid picture of life aboard this Navy vessel, highlighting camaraderie, unique experiences, and the ship's diverse missions.

**Clint Allen** recalls his time in 1989 as an EM2, cherishing the opportunity to visit places he might never have seen otherwise and the great shipmates he worked with. Similarly, **Mark Barry**, who served in 1988, fondly remembers his time in the engineering spaces and the electrical shop, where he made many good memories until his departure in 1991.

**Paul Bartholow** served in 1969 as an SK3 and reminisces about his initiation as a newbie in Malta during the last two months of a Mediterranean tour. Despite the initiation, he appreciated the great crew. **Dennis Bernstel**, who began his career on the ship in 1980 as an E5/BM, describes the vessel as a "working Navy" ship, noting the challenging living conditions but also the good shipmates.

**Greg Bessette** served in 1978 as a BM3 and wonders about the whereabouts of his friends from the crew, while **Larry Blackwell**, who was aboard in 1991 as an SR/SA, misses his friends and the fun times they had, including the cleanup after Hurricane Andrew.

**Mike Boyer** served in 1979 as an EMFN/EM3 and recalls his reenlistment in the engine room and the memorable times in the Red Sea. **Dan Brittingham**, who served in 1964 as an EM3, highlights the ship's various missions, including a world cruise, target towing off Cuba, and sonar towing for underwater cables.

**Stephen Sea Butler**, a Lieutenant in 1977, lists numerous operations, including towing 'Observation Island' from Panama, ordnance clearance of U-352, and diving on the USS Monitor with Cousteau. **Mike Carpenter**, who served in 1985 as an E3, remembers the space shuttle salvage and the good times with wine, women, and song.

**Jim Carroll** served in 1963 as an RM3 and fondly recalls the round-the-world cruise and the great crew. **Hugo Castellanos**, a Seaman in 1987, describes his two-year service and the friendships he made during a Mediterranean cruise.

**Glenn Cawley**, who served as an SK3 in 1984, reaches out to his former shipmates, while **Joseph Clark**, an RM1(SW) in 1980, praises the tight-knit crew and the leadership of CDR West. **Terry Corn**, who transferred from the USS Bushnell in 1967 as an EM3, notes the close-knit crew and the positive experience.

**Chris Crabtree**, an E3 in 1985, lists the crew members he remembers and the various missions, including shuttle recovery and target pulling. **Jose Del Valle**, an HM1(AW) in 1988, reflects on his challenging and educational first tour of duty as an Independent Duty Corpsman.

**Daniel Dube**, who served in 1983 as an EM3, recalls the 'sloppy oppy' and the memorable Mediterranean cruises, including the Challenger Recovery in 1986. **William Duncan**, an LCDR in 1972, describes the ship's never-boring missions, including clearing the Suez Canal and recovering the Kennedy anchor.

**Terrence Durrill**, a SN in 1963, found the duty tough but appreciated the great guys he worked for. **Richard Elpi**, a PN-3 in 1965, highlights the ship's circumnavigation of the globe and the memorable transits through the Suez and Panama Canals.

**Gary Engelhardt**, an IC2 in 1973, recalls the Gitmo cruise, shore leave in Jamaica, and various towing missions. **Roger Evangelista**, an E3/TN in 1961, humorously notes his seasickness and the time spent in Newport News Naval Hospital.

**Scott Fickes**, an E-7 ENC in 1990, proudly served under the first female combat captain, CDR Darlene Iskra, who he describes as an inspiration and professional leader. **James F Foryst**, an RD2 in 1966, shares a link to photos from his time on the ship.

**John Franck**, a Seaman/E3 in 1985, calls his time on the ship the best of his life, particularly remembering the Challenger recovery. **Neil Gagne**, an RMSN in 1991, seeks to reconnect with old friends from his time on the ship.

**Darrell Gates**, an HT2/DV in 1986, humorously recalls the ship's damage control and welding rust, as well as the ghostly encounters on midwatch. **Thomas Gill**, an HT2 in 1977, seeks to reconnect with his old buddy David Tharp and other shipmates.

**Mike Gourlie**, an EM1 in 1974, proudly recalls the ship's historic transit of the Suez Canal and his subsequent military career. **Robert Hanes**, an OS1/OSC in 1973, remembers his promotion to chief and the great crew.

**John Haught**, an EM in 1945, was aboard during the ship's commissioning and shake-down, and **Steve Hendricks**, an EN/EN-3 in 1961, lists various missions, including the Cuban Missile Crisis and supporting cable layers.

**Robert Holmos**, who served in 1989, praises Captain Darlene Iskra as one of the best COs he had. **Kirk Immel**, an EM-1 in 1976, shares his post-Navy career and invites shipmates to drop a note.

**Darlene Iskra**, who served as LCDR and CDR in 1990, reflects on her time on the ship, including taking over during Desert Storm and working on Hurricane Andrew relief operations. **Gregory Jakstis**, an EN3 SW in 1987, recalls the good times and the fights at Don Lighthouse in Rosey Roads.

**Tim Jimenez**, an SK3 in 1987, fondly remembers the time the ship broke down in Italy for eight weeks. **William Larson**, a LT(JG) in 1959, lists various operations, including towing a drydock to Scotland and delivering supplies to earthquake survivors in Morocco.

**Winston Littlefield**, a BT2 (DV1) in 1971, recalls his time on board and subsequent diving school. **Gene Long**, an E-3 in 1967, takes pride in the ship's accomplishments and the camaraderie of the crew.

**David Lucas**, an HT2 in 1973, wonders about the whereabouts of his old shipmates and shares his post-Navy life. **Ray Marler**, a SN in 1960, wishes he could relive his days aboard the ship.

**Michael Martin**, an RMSR in 1990, describes his time on the ship as a great experience with spectacular crew members. **John McDonald**, an IC2 in 1971, recalls picking up the ship in Rota, Spain, and sailing to Little Creek, VA.

**Eddie Merritt**, an E3 in 1989, reflects on the good moments and the crew he enjoyed. **Richard Morgan**, a SM2 in 1970, praises his division officer and the great crew.

**Dave Nazaroff**, an ENSIGN in 1964, remembers the world cruise and shooting stars every morning and evening. **Kevin Neatrour**, a BMSN in 1987, shares his fun times and subsequent 20-year Navy career.

**Victor Novak**, an E5 in 1989, recalls the many places he visited and the commanders he served under. **Thomas Nowicki**, an EN2 in 1976, seeks to reconnect with old shipmates and shares his current life in Buffalo, NY.

**Kevin O'Hara**, an EN-3 in 1971, fondly remembers the great times and the excellent officers he served under. **Denzil Pace**, a QM1 & QMC in 1965, highlights the ship's around-the-world trip and various missions.

**Stanford Parks**, a BM2 in 1990, praises the tight crew and the leadership of Mr. Jones and Darlene Iskra. **Ralph Parrish**, a SM1 in 1980, recalls the close-knit crew and the friendships he made.

**Tim Perreault**, an MR4 in 1966, enjoyed running the machine shop and the various missions in the Caribbean. **William Perry**, a W1. W-2 in 1971, recalls the ship's re-engining and the recovery of JFK's anchor.

**Allan Phinney**, an Electrician Mate 3rd Class in 1971, describes his time on the ship as a great learning experience. **Steve Pierce**, an ENS in 1972, remembers the Med cruise and meeting Carl Brashear.

**Mark Pinkney**, a YNSN in 1985, lists the various missions and the officers he served under. **Joe Provencio**, an RM3 in 1989, recalls the Med Cruise, Panama, Virgin Islands, Bermuda, and Hurricane Andrew.

**Karen Quilty**, a LT in 1991, cherishes her first Division Officer tour and the great sailors and divers she worked with. **Kevin Reece**, an HT2 (SW) in 1983, remembers the good times and the sad news of Lyle Davenport's passing.

**Jim Reed**, an EN3 in 1969, has many good memories and reaches out to old shipmates. **Mike Ricci**, an EN3 in 1969, seeks to reconnect with old friends and shares his post-Navy life.

**James Rimboch**, a ME2 in 1952, recalls his time on the ship and the skills he learned that he used in his career. **Carl Rowell**, an EM3 in 1954, describes the ship's encounter with Hurricane Carol and the subsequent refitting.

**George Ryniak**, an EN3 in 1988, misses playing guitar with his shipmates and the old hole snipe crew. **Rob Schmidt**, a GMG2(SW) in 1990, recalls the Desert Storm Med Cruise.

**Charles Smith**, an RM3 in 1984, remembers the Challenger salvage and towing an oiler to Texas. **Son Stellacie**, a PN3 in 1988, fondly recalls the perfect storm moments on the ship.

**Bobby Street**, an Engineman/3 in 1963, seeks to reconnect with old shipmates. **Kenneth Strother**, an E2 in 1991, remembers the cool brothers he served with.

**Dione Stuckey**, an E3 in 1990, lists the shipmates he had fun with and the good times they shared. **Benjamin Thomas**, a SM-1 in 1948, shares his father's flying lessons and service aboard the ship.

**Don Tonkin**, a BM1 (DV) in 1974, recalls the busy times in the Suez Canal and the good deck crew. **William Trammell**, an EN1 in 1971, praises the CO and the hard-working crew.

**Jim Ulmer**, an RM2 in 1968, served his entire enlistment on the ship and recalls the raising of a NASA payload. **Dominique Vidrine**, an EN2 in 1965, shares his father's service and his curiosity about the ship.

**Walter Volk**, an IC2 in 1951, kept a daily log of the ship's movements and looks back on the good times. **Robert Walker**, an HT2 in 1989, shares memories of the Panama Canal and the Med cruise for Desert Storm.

**William Washington**, a YN2 in 1964, recalls the ship's circumnavigation of the globe and the memorable missions. **Reggie Weaver**, an RM3 in 1981, remembers the tightly knit crew and the great Mediterranean cruise.

**Robert Werneke**, an EN2 in 1972, describes the interesting times coming out of Vietnam and the great crew. **Anthony J. Wiles**, a SN in 1955, recalls the ship's home ports and the first African American diver.

**Mike Wilson**, an SK in 1981, reflects on the interesting journey and the good guys he met. **Mark Wright**, an HT2 in 1989, enjoyed his time on the ship and the chance to see the world.

**Robert Zimmerman**, a QM3(DV) in 1988, describes his time on the ship as one of the most memorable experiences of his 28-year Navy career.

 

USS Opportune ARS-41: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet

The USS Opportune (ARS-41) was a remarkable ship with a rich history. Commissioned in 1945, it was initially outfitted with cutting-edge salvage and rescue gear for its time. But as the years rolled on, technology didn't stand still, and neither did the Opportune. In the 1960s, it underwent a major overhaul. The ship got more powerful winches, better diving systems, and updated navigation and communication tools. These upgrades kept it relevant and ready for more complex missions, extending its service well into the late 20th century.

The Opportune was a jack-of-all-trades when it came to naval missions. It was built for salvage and rescue, but its capabilities went far beyond that. It could tow disabled ships, conduct deep-sea dives, and even perform underwater repairs. Its sturdy design and specialized equipment made it a go-to for recovering sunken or stranded vessels and clearing navigational hazards. Plus, it was always ready to jump into search and rescue missions, offering crucial help when it was needed most.

Throughout its service, the Opportune was a key player in the fleet, often supporting larger naval operations. During the Cold War, it was vital in keeping the Navy's readiness in check. If a ship was damaged or disabled, the Opportune was there to salvage it quickly and efficiently. Its ability to handle complex underwater repairs and recover valuable gear from the ocean floor was crucial in preserving naval assets. This reliability earned it a reputation as a dependable workhorse in the fleet.

The legacy of the USS Opportune goes beyond its immediate contributions. The ship's advancements in salvage and rescue tech set new benchmarks for future ships of its class. Its successful missions and the expertise of its crew provided lessons that shaped the design and operation of later salvage ships. The Opportune's storied career is a testament to the importance of adaptability and innovation in naval engineering, ensuring the U.S. Navy is always ready for the challenges of maritime operations in a constantly changing world.

 

USS Opportune ARS-41: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations

USS Opportune (ARS-41) was a remarkable ship with a storied history. Part of the Bolster-class rescue and salvage ships, she was commissioned in 1945, right as World War II was winding down. Her first missions were in the Pacific, where she helped clear harbors and salvage sunken vessels. These tasks were crucial for getting maritime routes back in shape and helping the world transition to peace.

When the Korean War erupted, Opportune was back in action. She was a lifeline for the United Nations forces, offering towing, firefighting, and salvage support in the challenging waters near Korea. Her crew worked around the clock, rescuing damaged ships and recovering important equipment. Their efforts were vital, showing just how crucial salvage operations are in naval warfare. Quick recovery and repair can change the tide of battle.

In the Vietnam War, Opportune proved her worth again. She took on daring salvage missions, recovering downed aircraft and fixing battle-damaged ships, often under fire. The crew's bravery and skill were unmatched, saving lives and ensuring critical assets returned to the fight. These behind-the-scenes operations were key to mission success, highlighting the indispensable role of rescue and salvage ships.

Throughout her service, USS Opportune earned numerous awards, a testament to her crew's dedication and skill. She received the Navy Unit Commendation for her outstanding work during the Korean War, a nod to the bravery and expertise shown in tough conditions. The ship also collected several campaign medals, like the Korean Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal, each marking her significant contributions to these major conflicts. These honors reflect Opportune's lasting legacy and her vital role in supporting the U.S. Navy worldwide.

 

USS Opportune ARS-41 Ship Specifications

Specification	Details
Class	Bolster Class Rescue and Salvage Ship
Commissioned	October 5, 1945
Displacement	2,048 tons
Length	213.5 feet
Beam	43 feet
Draft	13.8 feet
Speed	16 knots
Complement	7 Officers 113 Enlisted