USS Aeolus(ARC-3)

• Origins as a Liberty Ship: USS Aeolus (ARC-3) began its life as the SS Turandot, a Liberty Ship constructed during World War II in 1945 at Brunswick, Georgia. • Converted for Undersea Cable Operations: The ship was acquired by the US Navy in 1955 and converted to a cable repair ship, reflecting the Cold War’s emphasis on secure communications. • Named After the Greek God of Winds: The ship was named "Aeolus" after the mythological Greek ruler of the winds, symbolizing its global maritime mission. • Specialized Role—Cable Repair: USS Aeolus was primarily used to lay and repair undersea cables, including those vital for military communications and the Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS). • Cold War Service: Aeolus played a crucial part in the Cold War, maintaining underwater listening posts that tracked Soviet submarine activity. • Distinctive Equipment: The ship was outfitted with specialized cable machinery, including massive cable drums and sheaves, to manage heavy underwater cables. • Dual Service: Crewed by both US Navy and civilian cable technicians, Aeolus was a unique blend of military and civilian expertise. • Homeport and Operations: Its homeport was Charleston, South Carolina, but its missions took it across the Atlantic, Caribbean, and occasionally to the Mediterranean. • Decommissioning and Artificial Reef: After being decommissioned in 1985, Aeolus was sunk off the coast of North Carolina in 1988 to serve as an artificial reef for divers and marine life. • Diving Destination: Today, the wreck of USS Aeolus is a popular site for scuba divers, known for its marine biodiversity and as a testament to the ship’s unique role in naval history.