About this Unit
USS Coucal (ASR-8) was a Chanticleer-class submarine rescue ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. Built to support submarine rescue and salvage operations, Coucal served extensively in the Pacific during World War II, providing critical diving and rescue assistance to submarines and other vessels. After the war, she continued to serve during the Korean War and in peacetime operations, participating in numerous training exercises and supporting underwater research. USS Coucal was decommissioned in 1977, concluding over three decades of dedicated service to the U.S. Navy.
Historical Facts
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Commissioning and Class: USS Coucal (ASR-8) was commissioned on 22 January 1943 as a Chanticleer-class submarine rescue ship, designed specifically for submarine support and rescue operations.
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World War II Service: Coucal served actively in the Pacific Theater during World War II, providing vital rescue and salvage services to submarines and other vessels in combat zones.
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Guadalcanal Operations: One of Coucal’s early assignments was supporting submarine operations from Tulagi, near Guadalcanal, during the critical Solomon Islands campaign.
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Submarine Rescue Missions: The ship was equipped with specialized diving and salvage gear, and participated in numerous submarine rescue exercises and actual emergency operations throughout her career.
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Postwar Occupation Duties: After WWII, Coucal operated out of Japan, supporting occupation forces and assisting in clearing Japanese harbors of sunken vessels and hazards.
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Operation Crossroads: In 1946, Coucal was part of Operation Crossroads at Bikini Atoll, providing support to submarines and ships involved in the atomic bomb tests.
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Korean War Service: Coucal returned to active duty during the Korean War, again serving as a support and rescue vessel for the U.S. submarine fleet in the Western Pacific.
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Long Service Life: USS Coucal remained in active service for more than 25 years, a testament to her robust construction and the importance of her mission.
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Decommissioning and Fate: She was decommissioned on 30 September 1977 and eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register, closing a distinguished chapter in submarine rescue history.
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Namesake: The ship was named after the coucal, a tropical bird known for its distinctive call, continuing the Navy tradition of naming its submarine rescue vessels after birds.
