About this Unit
**USS AEOLUS (ARC-3)** was a cable repair ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1955. Originally built as the cargo ship *SS Turandot* in 1944, she was acquired and converted to support underwater cable-laying and repair operations, primarily for the Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS) during the Cold War. The ship played a crucial role in maintaining undersea communication lines vital for anti-submarine warfare and strategic intelligence gathering. USS AEOLUS was decommissioned in 1985 and later disposed of as an artificial reef off the coast of North Carolina.
Historical Facts
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Originally Built as a Cargo Ship: USS AEOLUS (ARC-3) was originally constructed as SS Turandot, a Maritime Commission C3-S-A2 type cargo ship, launched in 1944 during World War II.
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Conversion to Cable Repair Ship: The ship was converted by the U.S. Navy to a cable repair ship in the late 1950s to support undersea cable operations, receiving the designation ARC-3.
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Role in Project Caesar: AEOLUS played a key role in Project Caesar, which was the cover name for the installation and maintenance of the SOSUS (Sound Surveillance System) — a secret Cold War underwater listening network.
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Vital Part of the Cold War: By laying and repairing underwater listening cables, AEOLUS helped the U.S. Navy track Soviet submarines and ships during the height of Cold War tensions.
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Homeport in Charleston: The ship was homeported in Charleston, South Carolina, which was a major base for Atlantic Fleet cable operations.
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Specialized Cable Handling Equipment: AEOLUS was equipped with advanced cable tanks, paying-out machinery, and dynamic positioning systems to precisely lay and repair cables on the ocean floor.
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Participated in Recovery Missions: In addition to cable work, AEOLUS was sometimes called upon for special missions, including recovery operations and supporting other classified Navy projects.
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Renowned Crew Camaraderie: Veterans of AEOLUS recall a unique camaraderie and pride, as their work was often highly technical, secretive, and critical to national security.
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Decommissioned in 1985: The ship was taken out of active service in 1985, after decades of service through periods of enormous technological and geopolitical change.
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Final Fate as Artificial Reef: After being stricken, AEOLUS was sunk as an artificial reef in 1988 off the coast of North Carolina, where it remains a popular site for divers and marine life.
