USS Cascade (AD-16)

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Korean War Support: Reactivated for the Korean War, Cascade provided logistical and repair services to United Nations naval forces operating in the Far East. • 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. • 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. • Longevity: USS Cascade had a remarkably long service life, remaining active until her decommissioning on 22 November 1974, after over 31 years in service. • 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.