USS DIXON (AS-37)

• Commissioning and Namesake: USS Dixon (AS-37) was commissioned on August 7, 1971. She was named after George E. Dixon, the commander of the Confederate submarine CSS Hunley, which famously sank the USS Housatonic in 1864. • Primary Mission: The Dixon served as a submarine tender, providing vital repair, supplies, and logistical support to submarines of the United States Navy’s Pacific Fleet, particularly those homeported at San Diego, California. • First of Her Kind: Dixon was the lead ship of her class, the Dixon-class submarine tenders, featuring advanced repair shops and facilities capable of supporting nuclear-powered submarines. • Women at Sea Milestone: In 1978, USS Dixon became one of the first US Navy ships to have women assigned as part of the regular crew, marking a significant milestone in Navy integration. • Cold War Service: During the height of the Cold War, Dixon played a crucial logistical role in sustaining the US submarine deterrent in the Pacific, supporting both attack and ballistic missile submarines. • Vietnam Era Operations: Although commissioned near the end of the Vietnam War, Dixon supported submarines involved in Pacific operations, contributing to US naval readiness during a critical period. • Support to USS Thresher Class: Dixon was equipped to provide specialized support for the advanced Thresher-class (later Permit-class) and subsequent Los Angeles-class submarines. • Long Service Life: USS Dixon served for nearly 28 years before being decommissioned on December 15, 1995, making her one of the longest-serving submarine tenders of her era. • Unique Motto: The ship’s motto was “Service With Honor,” reflecting her dedicated role in supporting the silent service of the submarine fleet. • Final Fate: After decommissioning, Dixon was eventually sold for scrapping in 2003, ending the career of a ship that had been a vital part of US Navy submarine operations for almost three decades.