USS Orion AS-18
The USS Orion (AS-18) was a key player in the U.S. Navy during a time of global upheaval. Her keel was laid on July 31, 1941, at the Moore Dry Dock Company in Oakland, California. She launched on June 24, 1942, and was commissioned on September 30, 1943. Built as part of the massive World War II shipbuilding effort, Orion was a submarine tender, designed to keep submarines in fighting shape with maintenance, supplies, and logistical support.
Named after the constellation Orion, the ship's name symbolized navigation and exploration, fitting for her role in supporting the Navy's submarines. Orion also suggests strength and reliability, traits vital for a ship tasked with the demanding job of maintaining submarines during wartime.
Orion was packed with repair and maintenance facilities. She had machine shops, foundries, and electronic repair stations, enabling her to handle a wide range of repairs and overhauls at sea. This was crucial for keeping submarines ready for action, especially during long deployments in remote areas. With ample storage for spare parts, torpedoes, and other supplies, Orion was like a floating warehouse and workshop, supporting submarines far from home.
Orion's legacy in the Navy is significant. She played a crucial role in submarine operations during World War II and beyond, extending her service into the Cold War. Her ability to provide comprehensive support set a standard for future submarine tenders and underscored the importance of such ships in naval operations.
Part of the Fulton-class submarine tenders, Orion was designed to support the growing submarine fleet during World War II. These ships were larger and more capable than earlier tenders, incorporating lessons learned from past experiences. Named after the lead ship, USS Fulton (AS-11), the class included several vessels that served with distinction during the war. Their primary mission was to ensure submarines remained operationally capable in various theaters.
When Orion was commissioned, she began a long and distinguished career. Assigned to the Pacific Fleet, she played a critical role in supporting submarine operations during World War II. Her ability to provide on-site repairs and maintenance allowed submarines to stay in combat zones longer, boosting their effectiveness and reducing the need for lengthy returns to port. The crew, made up of skilled technicians and support personnel, worked tirelessly to keep submarines ready for action. This dedication made Orion an indispensable asset to the Navy during one of its most challenging times.
USS Orion AS-18: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Orion (AS-18) was a Fulton-class submarine tender, a ship built to keep submarines in top shape. It was a big, sturdy vessel, stretching 530 feet long with a beam of 73 feet. When fully loaded, it displaced about 16,000 tons. Made from high-grade steel, it was tough enough to handle all sorts of sea conditions. Inside, it had multiple decks for workshops, storage, and crew quarters. The superstructure housed communication and navigation systems, making Orion a key player in submarine operations.
Orion was packed with the latest tech for its time. It had machine shops with lathes, milling machines, and welding gear, so it could fix or make submarine parts right on the spot. It also had advanced diagnostic tools to keep submarines ready for action. Communication was a big deal, too. Orion had radio and radar systems to stay in touch with submarines and other ships. This tech made it possible for Orion to handle everything from routine maintenance to emergency repairs.
While Orion wasn't built for battle, it had defensive weapons to protect itself and the submarines it served. It carried anti-aircraft guns like 40mm Bofors and 20mm Oerlikon cannons. These were placed around the ship to fend off aerial threats. The crew was trained and ready to use these guns if needed. Orion's main job was support and maintenance, but its weapons ensured it could defend itself in dangerous situations.
Orion also had depth charge projectors, which were a deterrent against enemy submarines. These could launch depth charges to specific depths, creating underwater explosions to damage or destroy enemy subs. Even though Orion wasn't an offensive ship, these projectors added an extra layer of defense. This mix of defensive weapons and support capabilities made the USS Orion a versatile and valuable asset to the US Navy, ready to protect itself and keep submarines operational.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Orion (AS-18) holds a special place in the hearts of many of its former crew members, as evidenced by the numerous guestbook posts that recount their experiences aboard the ship. These memories span several decades, from the 1950s to the early 1990s, and paint a vivid picture of life on the Orion, both on and off duty.
1970s Memories: Mike Carlson, who served in 1977, recalls the camaraderie among shipmates and the challenges they faced, such as dealing with asbestos in deck berthing. Jeffrey Castellini, who served in 1976, fondly remembers his time as a Mess Specialist and the friendships he formed in the Supply Department. David Carter, who served in 1978, highlights the great stories and good times he had while working in the Personnel Office. Steven Blanchard, who served in 1978, reminisces about the fun times with his fellow deck division members, despite the hard work they put in.
1980s Adventures: The 1980s seem to have been a particularly vibrant period for the Orion's crew. Michael Aaron, who served in 1983, reflects on how his time on the ship shaped his life and even revisited the ship a decade later during his honeymoon. Warren Adams, who served in 1987, recounts the various ports of call, including Athens, Naples, Toulon, Barcelona, and Palma, and a memorable 96-hour leave in Rome. Jim Adams, who also served in 1984, cherishes the experience of living in Palau and learning Italian from a local teacher.
Garrett Aldershoff, who served in 1983, calls out to his fellow "ADP BAD BOYS," reminiscing about the camaraderie in the data processing division. Bob Aliano, who served in 1965, describes the technical challenges he faced, which prepared him for a long career in aerospace engineering. Edward Allen, who served in 1961, shares his journey from MR 'A' school to various assignments, including four tours in Vietnam.
Ron Arena, who served in 1986, wasn't part of the ship's crew but was a radio DJ for the local AFRTS affiliate, making many friends from the Orion. Dell Arnold, who served in 1988, had a contrasting experience, describing his time on the ship as "hell" and expressing relief upon leaving. Sam Arnold, who also served in 1988, had a more positive experience, crediting the ship for starting his Navy career and learning from the best.
1990s Reflections: The early 1990s saw the Orion's final years in service. Daniel Antoon, who served in 1991, is looking to reconnect with shipmates from his time on the ship. Michael Ballard, who served in 1991, initially hated his duty station but now looks back fondly and hopes to reconnect with fellow sailors. Cameron Beck, who served in 1989, describes his time on the Orion as "TRUE NAVY LIVING" and the best days of his career.
Christopher Bakes, who served in 1983, recalls his time as the JAG SJA and the great people he worked with, including both XOs. Robert Balcom, who served in 1981, fondly remembers the hard work and great times with his R1 division shipmates. Dennis Ball, who served in 1967, reflects on his time aboard the Orion after a tour in Vietnam, describing it as a period of good memories and great shipmates.
Memorable Moments and Friendships: Many crew members highlight the friendships they formed and the memorable experiences they had while serving on the Orion. For instance, David Ace Accomando, who served in 1984, wishes he had spent more time off the ship but still cherishes the great times and friends he made. James Adams, who served in 1984, fondly remembers living in Palau and learning Italian.
George Albers, who served in 1951, simply requests to be added to the list of former crew members, indicating a desire to stay connected with his shipmates. Herman Anschuetz, who also served in 1951, wonders if any of his shipmates are still around and shares his journey from active duty to the reserves and eventual retirement.
Challenges and Growth: Several posts reflect on the challenges faced and the personal growth experienced while serving on the Orion. Bob Aliano, who served in 1965, describes the technical challenges that prepared him for a long career in aerospace engineering. Edward Allen, who served in 1961, shares his journey from MR 'A' school to various assignments, including four tours in Vietnam.
Dell Arnold, who served in 1988, had a difficult time on the ship but acknowledges the learning experience it provided. Sam Arnold, who also served in 1988, had a more positive experience, crediting the ship for starting his Navy career and learning from the best.
Fond Farewells: As the Orion was decommissioned in the early 1990s, several crew members reflect on their final days aboard the ship. Michael Ballard, who served in 1991, participated in the decommissioning and now looks back fondly on his time aboard. Nicholas Carroll, who served in 1991, reminisces about living in Paradiso Barracks and traveling extensively during his time on the ship.
Overall, the memories shared by the USS Orion's crew members paint a rich and diverse picture of life aboard the ship. From the camaraderie and friendships formed to the challenges faced and personal growth experienced, the Orion left a lasting impact on those who served on her.
USS Orion AS-18: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Orion (AS-18) was a remarkable ship that kept up with the times through numerous upgrades. Commissioned in 1943, it was initially packed with cutting-edge repair facilities, machine shops, and storage for spare parts. This made it a crucial player in submarine maintenance. Over the years, Orion got some serious tech boosts, like advanced sonar and radar systems, better communication gear, and upgraded propulsion. These improvements meant it could support the latest submarines, even the nuclear-powered ones, keeping it relevant and effective for a long time.
Orion's mission was all about versatility, meeting the varied needs of the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet. It mainly served as a submarine tender, offering vital maintenance, repairs, and logistical support to submarines far from home. This was key during both peace and war, allowing subs to stay operational without heading back to base. Orion could handle complex overhauls, swapping out major components like periscopes and torpedo tubes. Doing these tasks at sea or in forward locations boosted the readiness and endurance of the submarine fleet.
Orion's impact on the fleet was huge. During World War II, it was a critical player in the Pacific, supporting submarine operations that disrupted Japanese supply lines and gathered crucial intelligence. After the war, Orion remained a cornerstone of the Navy's submarine support, adapting to Cold War demands by servicing nuclear subs and supporting strategic deterrence missions. Its presence in key spots like the Mediterranean and the Atlantic gave the Navy a flexible, reliable platform for sustaining submarine operations worldwide.
In short, the USS Orion (AS-18) was a vital asset to the U.S. Navy. Its extensive upgrades, versatile missions, and significant contributions made it indispensable. By adapting to new tech and strategies, Orion stayed relevant for decades. It provided crucial support to submarines, boosting their effectiveness and contributing to the Navy's broader goals. Orion's legacy highlights the importance of auxiliary ships in maintaining a strong, resilient naval force.
USS Orion AS-18: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
USS Orion (AS-18) was a lifeline for the U.S. Navy's submarines. She was commissioned in 1943, right in the thick of World War II. Her job? Keep those subs in fighting shape with maintenance, repairs, and supplies. Orion moved around the Pacific, hitting key spots like Pearl Harbor and Guam. She was a big reason the subs could keep up the pressure on Japanese supply lines and gather crucial intel.
After the war, Orion didn't slow down. The Cold War cranked up the need for a ready submarine fleet. Orion was there, stationed in places like New London, Connecticut, and later in La Maddalena, Sardinia. She was always upgrading, making sure the subs she serviced were top-notch and ready for anything.
Orion's career was packed with action. During the Korean War, she was in the Pacific, backing up subs on patrol and recon missions. In Vietnam, she was just as vital, keeping subs in the game in the tricky waters of Southeast Asia. Her support was key to their success, whether they were gathering intel or engaging in combat.
Orion's hard work didn't go unnoticed. She racked up awards like the Navy Unit Commendation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation, plus campaign medals for her service in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. These honors highlight her crucial role in keeping the Navy's subs ready and effective. Orion's story is a proud part of naval history, honoring the dedication of everyone who served on her.
USS Orion AS-18 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Fulton Class Submarine Tender |
| Commissioned | September 30, 1943 |
| Displacement | 18,000 tons |
| Length | 529.5 feet |
| Beam | 73.3 feet |
| Draft | 23.5 feet |
| Speed | 15.4 knots |
| Complement | 59 Officers 1,214 Enlisted |