USS CANOPUS

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About USS CANOPUS

USS Canopus refers to two United States Navy ships. The first USS Canopus (AS-9), commissioned in 1922, served as a submarine tender in the Asiatic Fleet and played a vital support role during the early stages of World War II in the Pacific, particularly in the defense of the Philippines before being scuttled in 1942 to prevent capture. The second USS Canopus (AS-34), commissioned in 1965, was a Simon Lake-class submarine tender that provided maintenance and logistical support to ballistic missile submarines during the Cold War, mainly operating out of Rota, Spain, and later King's Bay, Georgia. Both ships were crucial in extending the operational reach and effectiveness of the U.S. Navy's submarine forces during their respective service periods. The legacy of the USS Canopus is marked by its steadfast support to the silent service across two major eras of naval warfare.

Unit Members

Edward Ilowiecki

U.S. Navy

USS CANOPUSView Profile

Mikie Stanley

U.S. Navy

USS CANOPUSView Profile

Photos

dad in vietnam

U.S. Army • 1969

About USS CANOPUS

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Namesake: USS Canopus (AS-34) was named after the star Canopus, which is the second-brightest star in the night sky and traditionally used for navigation by sailors. • Commissioned in 1965: USS Canopus was commissioned on November 4, 1965, as a submarine tender designed to support the US Navy’s ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). • Polaris and Poseidon Missiles: The ship played a critical role in the Cold War, providing maintenance, logistical support, and resupply for Polaris and later Poseidon missile-equipped submarines. • First Homeport - Rota, Spain: Shortly after commissioning, Canopus was stationed at Rota, Spain, serving as a vital overseas support base for the Atlantic Fleet’s submarine force. • Unique Conversion: The ship was originally laid down as a Maritime Administration hull (SSP-282), converted during construction to serve as a submarine tender with specialized facilities. • Involvement in the Holy Loch: In 1970, USS Canopus moved to the Holy Loch, Scotland, replacing USS Simon Lake and continuing support for the “boomers” of Submarine Squadron 14. • Gender Integration Milestone: In 1979, Canopus became one of the first US Navy ships to embark female sailors, marking a significant step in gender integration at sea. • Overhaul and Modernization: The ship underwent a major overhaul from 1976–1977 at Charleston Naval Shipyard to upgrade her capabilities for supporting the Poseidon missile system. • Support Operations: Beyond maintenance, Canopus provided medical, dental, and recreational facilities for submarine crews, making her a floating city and vital morale center. • Decommissioning and Fate: USS Canopus was decommissioned on January 7, 1994, after nearly three decades of service, and was eventually scrapped in 2010.