About this Unit
The Marine Detachment aboard USS Hunley (AS-31) was established to provide security, ceremonial duties, and support to the submarine tender during her service with the U.S. Navy from 1962 to 1994. Comprised of a small contingent of U.S. Marines, the detachment was responsible for safeguarding the ship’s sensitive operations, especially during resupply and maintenance of ballistic missile submarines. Marines aboard the Hunley also participated in shipboard drills, inspections, and represented the Navy and Marine Corps at various port calls and official functions. The detachment’s presence underscored the importance of security and discipline aboard one of the Navy’s most vital support vessels during the Cold War era.
Historical Facts
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Unique Assignment: The Marine Detachment (MarDet) aboard USS Hunley (AS-31) was one of the few Marine units assigned to a submarine tender, rather than a traditional warship.
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Ship’s Namesake: USS Hunley was named after H.L. Hunley, the Confederate submarine famous for being the first to sink an enemy warship in combat during the American Civil War.
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Security Role: The MarDet’s primary mission aboard USS Hunley was to provide internal security for the ship, especially given its role in supporting and supplying ballistic missile submarines carrying nuclear weapons.
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Historic Home Port: Hunley was homeported in Holy Loch, Scotland, for extended periods, making the Marine Detachment an important American presence in Europe during the Cold War.
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First of Its Kind: USS Hunley was the first ship built from the keel up as a submarine tender for the Polaris Fleet Ballistic Missile submarines, with the MarDet adapting to the unique mission requirements.
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Flag Ceremonies and Traditions: The MarDet was responsible for ceremonial duties, including raising and lowering the colors, and manning the rail during arrivals and departures.
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Training and Readiness: Marines on Hunley were trained in small arms, security procedures, and emergency response, often drilling for possible sabotage or security threats to the ship’s sensitive mission.
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Community Relations: MarDet members participated in goodwill events and community outreach in Scotland, helping foster positive US-UK relations during the Cold War.
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Integration with Ship’s Crew: Marines lived and worked alongside Navy personnel, forging close inter-service relationships and often assisting in shipboard duties beyond security.
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Disbandment and Legacy: As the Navy began phasing out Marine detachments aboard ships in the late 1970s and 1980s, the MarDet aboard USS Hunley was eventually disbanded, but its legacy lives on among veterans and in naval history.
