USS Sperry AS-12
The USS Sperry (AS-12) was a Fulton-class submarine tender built during a crucial time in naval history. It was laid down on February 1, 1941, at the Mare Island Navy Yard in Vallejo, California. The ship launched on December 17, 1941, and was commissioned on May 1, 1942, with Captain Robert H. Rice at the helm. This ship was part of a larger effort to strengthen the U.S. Navy during World War II, especially in the Pacific, where submarines were key in countering Japanese forces.
Named after Elmer Ambrose Sperry, an American inventor known for the gyroscopic compass, the USS Sperry honored a man whose innovations changed naval navigation. His work made ships more effective and safer, and naming the ship after him was a nod to his lasting impact on naval warfare.
The USS Sperry was packed with features that made it indispensable. It had repair and maintenance facilities, machine shops, foundries, and electronic repair stations. These allowed it to handle a variety of maintenance tasks at sea. It also had berthing for submarine crews, medical facilities, and storage for torpedoes and supplies. This made the Sperry a critical player in keeping submarines ready for action.
The ship's legacy is marked by its vital contributions during World War II and beyond. It was essential in keeping submarines combat-ready, especially in the Pacific Theater, where it helped submarines conduct long patrols and disrupt enemy supply lines. The Sperry continued to serve during the Cold War, showing its lasting importance to the Navy.
As part of the Fulton class, the USS Sperry was designed to support the growing submarine fleet. These tenders provided maintenance, logistical support, and crew accommodations, allowing submarines to stay operational longer. With advanced repair facilities, they were crucial to the submarine force.
Commissioned on May 1, 1942, the USS Sperry quickly became a key part of the Navy's submarine support network. Its commissioning came at a pivotal moment, as the U.S. ramped up naval operations after Pearl Harbor. The Sperry's comprehensive support allowed the Navy to maintain a high tempo of operations, contributing significantly to the Allied victory. Its commissioning marked the start of a distinguished career that spanned several decades.
USS Sperry AS-12: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Sperry (AS-12) was a Fulton-class submarine tender, a type of auxiliary ship designed to keep submarines in top shape. It was a sturdy vessel, stretching 530 feet long and 73 feet wide, perfect for all sorts of repair and resupply tasks. Built with reinforced steel, it could handle long missions and provided a stable base for its many support activities. The ship's superstructure was packed with workshops, storage, and living quarters, allowing it to operate on its own for quite a while.
Tech-wise, the USS Sperry was ahead of its time. It had advanced machine shops, electrical repair stations, and special gear for torpedo maintenance. These facilities were crucial for keeping submarines in fighting form, handling everything from small fixes to big overhauls. The ship also had top-notch communication systems to stay in sync with submarines and other naval units, making operations smooth. Plus, it was equipped with cranes and hoists to lift heavy machinery, boosting its ability to tackle complex repairs at sea.
While not built for battle, the USS Sperry had defensive weapons to protect itself and the submarines it served. It carried several 5-inch/38 caliber dual-purpose guns for surface and air threats. These were backed by 40mm and 20mm anti-aircraft guns, creating a layered defense against enemy planes. The weapons were strategically placed for 360-degree coverage, so the USS Sperry could fend off attacks from any angle.
The ship's weaponry was mainly for defense, fitting its role as a support vessel rather than a combat ship. But by keeping submarines ready and resupplied, the USS Sperry indirectly boosted the U.S. Navy's offensive power. It ensured submarines were always in peak condition, playing a key role in the Navy's underwater warfare strategy. Its workshops could handle torpedoes and other submarine weapons, making sure these vital tools were always ready to go. This support was crucial during World War II and the Cold War, when submarine operations were a big part of naval strategy.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Sperry (AS-12) holds a treasure trove of memories for its former crew members, spanning decades of service and camaraderie. The guestbook posts from these sailors paint a vivid picture of life aboard the submarine tender, from the early 1940s through its decommissioning in the early 1980s. Here is a summary of the shared experiences and memories from the ship's crew:
Early Years and World War II
- **Floyd Bogart (1942, SM2C)**: Recalled his father's stories about being at Pearl Harbor and building a camp in Guam.
- **Robert Buttleman (1942, CMSTH)**: At 93 years old, he reminisced about his time on the ship and wondered if any of his old shipmates were still alive.
- **Donald Daugherty (1942, RM2/C)**: Served under multiple captains and made trips to Midway, Majuro, Guam, Brisbane, and Pearl Harbor.
- **Gesuardo A Danna (1942, Y1C)**: A plank owner who served continuously from the ship's commissioning until the end of WWII, handling administrative duties and editing the ship's newsletter.
- **Vennie Gamel (1942, CWO 4)**: Had a long naval career and brought the Mark 18 electric torpedo to the Pacific Theatre in 1942.
- **Robert Holden (1942)**: His son shared that he served on the ship's maiden voyage until nearly the end of the war.
Post-War and 1950s
- **Roman Malik (1951, PM3)**: Worked as a pattern maker and made trips to Pearl Harbor and Chi Chi Jima.
- **Robert Marbach (1950, TME3/C)**: Fondly remembered his shipmates and officers.
- **William Galloway (1955, DC3)**: Participated in building a swimming pool on the boat deck and shared many great memories.
- **Walter Mitchell (1955, E-5 METALSMITH)**: Praised the food and camaraderie on the ship.
- **Arthur Bernal (1953, SN)**: Recalled building a pool during a trip to Mazatlan and having a great time despite an accident.
- **Jerry Beissel (1957, SH3)**: Served as a captain's orderly and later ran the tailor shop.
1960s
- **Jerry Barr (1960, EM3)**: Enjoyed trips to Acapulco and Vancouver Island, and working on the ship's control boards.
- **Davis Bartlett (1960, SM2)**: Recalled taking sub dependents to Pearl Harbor and making cruises to Mexico.
- **David Christopherson (1963, SN)**: Shared multiple posts about being the first US Navy ship to visit Mexico and the memorable party at the Hilton Hotel.
- **John Case (1967, ET-1)**: Had a great time serving on the ship, including training for the Nuc program and enjoying the San Diego area.
- **Richard Chaney (1968, HMSN)**: Appreciated the mentorship from senior HMs and is now a CW3 in the Army National Guard.
- **Dave Byrne (1966, EM3)**: Recalled the ship running aground in the Columbia River.
- **Donald Craig (1966, SM)**: Enjoyed his first tour of duty and celebrated his 21st birthday at sea.
- **Kenneth Elaster (1966, ETN-3)**: Remembered the ship running aground and the pride he felt serving on the Sperry.
- **James Gustafson (1965, SEAMAN)**: Looked for fellow Instrumentmen and shared fond memories of his division commander and shipmates.
1970s
- **Gary Andersen (1976, IM3)**: Worked with several shipmates in the Instrument shop and is looking for Kevin Nugent.
- **Albert Archuleta (1976, RM3)**: Enjoyed his time on the small boat crew and later in the Radio Shack.
- **Mike Barker (1972, BM3)**: Served with BM2 Hammersmith and would love to connect with his family.
- **Russel Brown (1979, SN)**: Made many good friends and has great memories of his time on the deck crew.
- **Vernon Brown (1977, TM3)**: Had a blast on a trip to Mexico in 1979.
- **Ernesto Carrasco (1970, IC3)**: Enjoyed his time in the IC Shop and made good friends.
- **John Cornelison (1971, HT3)**: Worked in the sheet metal shop and made a cruise to Hawaii.
- **David Fansler (1980, HTC (SW))**: Made Chief on the Sperry and was part of the final crew during its decommissioning.
- **Michael Gillen (1977, HTCS)**: Came aboard as a boot Chief and left as a Chief Warrant Officer, appreciating the professionalism of the crew.
- **Rick Gullickson (1976, EM2)**: Enjoyed working in the electric and battery shops.
- **Donald Hames (1976, MR2)**: Spent time in the Deck Division and later in the machine shop.
- **David Hartman (1979, HT3 & HT2)**: Worked in the weld shop and enjoyed trips to San Francisco and Seattle.
- **Jim Henderson (1975, HT-3)**: Learned a lot about life and made lifelong friends.
- **Bruce Hershberger (1975, HT3)**: Had great memories of trips to San Francisco, Hawaii, and Mexico.
- **Randy Ingram (1973, SEAMAN)**: Survived a fire and made trips to Bremerton and Portland.
- **Dana Jenson (1972, SEAMAN E3)**: Worked on the mess deck and later in medical, enjoying trips to Portland and Hawaii.
- **Randy Nelson (1975, MM3)**: Worked in various shops and ran the diesel engines when at sea.
- **Patrick Lewis (1978, HT3)**: Worked in the shop fitter shop and enjoyed his last duty station in San Diego.
- **Jim Little (1981, BM3)**: Was part of the decommissioning crew and the last official quarterdeck messenger of the watch.
Final Years and Decommissioning
- **Jeffrey Gollnick (1981, MMFN)**: Missed the Sperry days and was part of the decommissioning crew.
- **Roger Kudron (1982, SHSN)**: Worked in the ship's store and laundry and was a member of the last crew.
- **David Fansler (1980, HTC (SW))**: Praised the final crew and the pride they took in leaving the ship.
These memories collectively highlight the USS Sperry's rich history, the diverse experiences of its crew, and the strong bonds formed during their service. From World War II to its decommissioning, the Sperry served as a home and a place of growth, learning, and camaraderie for countless sailors.
USS Sperry AS-12: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Sperry (AS-12) was a remarkable ship that adapted over time to stay relevant in the ever-changing world of naval warfare. Commissioned in 1942, it was built as a submarine tender, a ship that provided crucial maintenance, repair, and logistical support to submarines. Over the years, Sperry got several upgrades, like advanced radar systems and improved communication gear, to keep up with the latest submarine classes and the evolving demands of naval operations. These enhancements allowed Sperry to perform more complex repairs, extending the life of the submarines it serviced.
Sperry's mission was diverse and vital. It was essentially a floating repair shop, equipped with machine shops, foundries, and electronic repair stations. This setup meant Sperry could handle everything from minor fixes to major overhauls, whether at sea or in forward-deployed areas. The ship also provided logistical support, resupplying submarines with torpedoes, fuel, and other essentials. Beyond that, Sperry was a hub for crew training and readiness, offering medical and dental services, plus recreational facilities to keep submarine crews healthy and happy.
During World War II, Sperry was a key player in keeping the Pacific submarine fleet ready for action, which was crucial for the Allied victory. Its ability to deliver quick and effective repairs meant submarines could get back into combat faster, boosting the fleet's overall effectiveness. After the war, Sperry continued to support the Navy's submarine force during the Cold War, helping the U.S. maintain a strong underwater deterrent. Its presence in strategic locations highlighted its role in sustaining the Navy's global reach and flexibility.
Throughout its service, the USS Sperry showed just how important support ships are in naval operations. By enabling submarines to stay at sea longer and work more effectively, Sperry played a direct role in the success of many missions and campaigns. Its legacy is a powerful reminder of the critical role maintenance and logistical support play in modern naval warfare. The USS Sperry wasn't just a cornerstone of the submarine fleet; it was a shining example of how auxiliary vessels are essential for achieving and maintaining naval supremacy.
USS Sperry AS-12: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Sperry (AS-12) was a key player in the U.S. Navy's operations during its service, especially in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Commissioned in 1942, it was sent to the Pacific Theater to support submarine operations. As a submarine tender, Sperry's main job was to provide maintenance, repairs, and logistical support to submarines. This was crucial for keeping the subs ready for action, which was vital for disrupting Japanese supply lines and gathering intelligence. The ship's ability to handle complex repairs at sea gave the Navy a strategic edge.
During World War II, Sperry was stationed at important locations like Pearl Harbor, Midway, and Guam. These spots were critical for ensuring submarines could keep going without heading back to the mainland for fixes. The crew worked hard to keep the subs in top shape, often in tough and dangerous conditions. Sperry didn't just offer technical support; it also provided medical care, resupply, and rest for the sub crews. This all-around support was key for keeping the submariners' morale and effectiveness high, even in the war's most dangerous areas.
After World War II, Sperry continued to serve with distinction. During the Korean War, it supported submarine operations in the Western Pacific, maintaining its role in providing maintenance and logistical support. Sperry's presence was crucial for the Navy's power projection and strategic advantage. Similarly, in the Vietnam War, the ship was again called to support submarine operations. Its deployments to the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia highlighted its ongoing importance to the Navy's capabilities.
Sperry's outstanding service was recognized with numerous awards and commendations. These included the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with multiple battle stars, the World War II Victory Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. The crew was also praised for their exceptional performance and dedication. Sperry's legacy is a testament to the crucial role support ships play in naval operations, ensuring frontline units have the resources and support they need. Its history is a reminder of the unsung heroes who keep the Navy's fleet running smoothly and effectively.
USS Sperry AS-12 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Fulton Class Submarine Tender |
| Commissioned | May 1, 1942 |
| 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 |