About this Unit
USNS Neptune (ARC-2) was a cable repair ship operated by the United States Navy, commissioned in 1953. Built on a C1-B cargo hull, Neptune's primary mission was the installation, maintenance, and repair of undersea cables crucial for naval communications and surveillance. Throughout the Cold War, Neptune played a vital role in laying and servicing submarine cables, including those associated with the Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS) used for anti-submarine warfare. The ship remained active until 2005, after which it was decommissioned and subsequently stricken from the Naval Vessel Register.
Historical Facts
• Origins: USNS Neptune (ARC-2) was originally built as a cable repair ship for the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II, launched in 1945 as William H. G. Bullard.
• Navy Acquisition: The U.S. Navy acquired her in 1953, renaming her Neptune and redesignating her as ARC-2, a cable repair ship (ARC stands for Auxiliary Repair, Cable).
• Role in Undersea Cables: Neptune played a crucial role in laying and maintaining undersea communication cables, including important Cold War-era cables for secure military communications.
• Project Caesar: The ship was notably involved in Project Caesar, the cover program for the installation and maintenance of the Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS), a network of listening arrays to detect Soviet submarines.
• Specialized Equipment: USNS Neptune was equipped with state-of-the-art cable handling gear, including large cable drums and dynamic positioning features to maintain precise station-keeping during cable work.
• Lengthy Service: The ship served for over 40 years, with her deactivation in 2005, making her one of the longest-serving cable ships in the U.S. Navy.
• Crew Composition: Neptune operated with a mixed crew of U.S. Navy personnel and civilian mariners from the Military Sealift Command, reflecting her unique auxiliary status.
• Notable Operations: Among her notable missions was the recovery and repair of deep-ocean cables in extremely challenging North Atlantic conditions.
• Decommissioning and Fate: After her deactivation, Neptune was eventually scrapped in 2010 after spending several years in the National Defense Reserve Fleet.
• Legacy: The technical expertise developed aboard Neptune and her sister ships laid the groundwork for modern undersea cable operations, both military and civilian, and contributed significantly to Cold War naval intelligence efforts.
