About this Unit
The USS Canopus Mardet (Marine Detachment) was the contingent of United States Marine Corps personnel assigned to the USS Canopus, a submarine tender that served the U.S. Navy during the Cold War era. The Marine Detachment was responsible for providing shipboard security, ceremonial duties, and assisting in the protection of nuclear weapons and sensitive materials aboard the vessel. Marines aboard the Canopus participated in various deployments, supporting submarine operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. The detachment was an integral part of the ship’s complement until the gradual phase-out of Marine Detachments from naval vessels in the late 20th century.
Historical Facts
• Origins of the Name: The USS Canopus (AS-34) was named after the star Canopus, the brightest star in the constellation Carina and a traditional navigational reference for mariners.
• Mardet Definition: "Mardet" stands for "Marine Detachment," a small unit of United States Marines assigned to Navy ships for security, ceremonial duties, and specialized tasks.
• Submarine Tender Role: USS Canopus was a submarine tender, providing maintenance, supplies, and support to ballistic missile submarines during the Cold War, especially those carrying Polaris and Poseidon missiles.
• First Marine Detachment: The Marine Detachment aboard the Canopus was activated in the 1960s when the ship was commissioned, and it provided both security and ceremonial functions.
• Cuban Missile Crisis Connection: Though Canopus was commissioned after the Cuban Missile Crisis, her class of submarine tenders played a key role in supporting the U.S. Navy’s nuclear deterrent forces during similar Cold War tensions.
• Overseas Deployments: The Canopus and her Mardet were often stationed at forward bases like Rota, Spain, and Holy Loch, Scotland, which were critical to supporting U.S. and NATO submarine operations in the Atlantic.
• Historic Visit: In 1976, USS Canopus became one of the few submarine tenders to cross the Atlantic and visit ports like Naples, Italy, and Toulon, France, strengthening allied naval ties.
• Marine Security Duties: The Mardet provided physical security for nuclear weapons and sensitive areas onboard, and Marines conducted armed patrols and drills to safeguard against sabotage or espionage.
• Integration with Ship's Crew: Marines aboard Canopus participated in shipboard life, including firefighting parties and damage control exercises, as well as organizing ship ceremonies and honors.
• Deactivation and Legacy: The Marine Detachment was deactivated in the late 1980s as submarine tenders phased out Marine security detachments, but its legacy remains in the memories of crew and the official ship's history.
