About this Unit
USS Cascade (AD-16) was a destroyer tender commissioned by the United States Navy in March 1943. Assigned to the Pacific Fleet during World War II, she provided crucial maintenance, repair, and logistical support to destroyers and other vessels throughout major campaigns, including operations in the Marshall Islands, Marianas, and Philippines. After the war, Cascade continued her service during the Korean War and into the Cold War, supporting the fleet in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. She was decommissioned in 1974 after more than three decades of distinguished service.
Historical Facts
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Commissioning and Class: USS Cascade (AD-16) was commissioned on 12 March 1943 as the lead ship of her class, specifically designed as a destroyer tender to provide repair and logistical support to destroyers in the fleet.
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World War II Service: Cascade served extensively in the Pacific Theater during WWII, supporting operations at critical locations such as Pearl Harbor, Eniwetok, Ulithi, and Okinawa.
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Ulithi Atoll Headquarters: For much of 1944-1945, Cascade acted as the flagship of Commander, Service Squadron 10, at Ulithi Atoll—one of the largest naval anchorages in history, supporting hundreds of ships during the war.
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Surviving a Typhoon: While anchored at Okinawa in October 1945, Cascade weathered a fierce typhoon, sustaining relatively minor damage while other ships in the area suffered much worse.
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Post-War Activity: After WWII, Cascade continued serving as a tender and flagship during the occupation of Japan, providing vital services at Sasebo and Yokosuka.
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Korean War Support: Reactivated for the Korean War, Cascade provided logistical and repair services to United Nations naval forces operating in the Far East.
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Home Port Newport: For much of her later career, Cascade was stationed at Newport, Rhode Island, serving as the flagship for Commander, Destroyer Force, Atlantic Fleet.
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Women in Uniform: Cascade made history as one of the first U.S. Navy ships to receive women officers and enlisted personnel, reflecting changing roles in the service post-WWII.
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Longevity: USS Cascade had a remarkably long service life, remaining active until her decommissioning on 22 November 1974, after over 31 years in service.
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Final Fate: After decommissioning, Cascade was sold for scrap in 1975. Her extensive service history and support roles made her one of the most important and longest-serving tenders in U.S. Navy history.
