About this Unit
USS L.Y. Spear (AS-36) was a submarine tender of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1970 and named after Leonidas Young Spear, a notable naval officer. Designed to provide maintenance, logistical support, and supplies to nuclear-powered submarines, the ship played a crucial role during the Cold War, primarily serving with the Atlantic Fleet. Homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, L.Y. Spear supported numerous submarine squadrons and participated in various fleet exercises, enhancing the operational readiness of U.S. submarine forces. The vessel was decommissioned in 1996 after over two decades of distinguished service.
Historical Facts
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Name Significance: USS LY SPEAR (AS-36) was named after Lieutenant Commander Lycurgus M. Spears, a submarine officer who was killed in action during World War II.
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Class and Role: She was the lead ship of the LY SPEAR-class submarine tenders, designed to provide maintenance, logistical support, and supplies to nuclear-powered submarines at sea.
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Commissioning Date: The ship was commissioned on 28 February 1970 at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Virginia.
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Cold War Service: LY SPEAR played a key support role during the Cold War, ensuring that U.S. submarines were always ready for deterrent patrols.
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Women at Sea: In the 1970s, LY SPEAR became one of the first U.S. Navy ships to have women assigned as crew members, marking a significant moment in Navy integration.
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Support for Nuclear Submarines: She was equipped to service Los Angeles-class and Sturgeon-class nuclear submarines, among others, providing everything from weapons loading to hull repairs.
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Homeport: LY SPEAR was homeported at Norfolk, Virginia for most of her career, serving Submarine Squadron 6 and later Squadron 8.
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Desert Storm Support: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, LY SPEAR provided vital logistical and repair support to submarines deployed in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
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Decommissioning: After nearly 26 years of service, LY SPEAR was decommissioned on 1 September 1996 and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register.
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Legacy: Today, parts of LY SPEAR have been repurposed for museum displays and training, and the ship is remembered for her vital role in supporting the U.S. Navy’s undersea fleet during a critical period in naval history.
