USS AEOLUS-ARC-3

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Homeport in Charleston: The ship was homeported in Charleston, South Carolina, which was a major base for Atlantic Fleet cable operations. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.