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USS DIXON (AS-37)

U.S. Navy•67 members

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About this Unit

USS DIXON (AS-37)

U.S. Navy

USS DIXON (AS-37) was a L. Y. Spear-class submarine tender commissioned by the United States Navy on August 7, 1971. Designed to provide maintenance, logistical support, and supplies to nuclear-powered attack submarines, Dixon served primarily with the Pacific Fleet, homeported in San Diego, California. Throughout her service, she played a crucial role in supporting submarine operations during the Cold War, ensuring fleet readiness and operational effectiveness. After nearly three decades of service, USS DIXON was decommissioned on December 15, 1995.

About USS DIXON (AS-37)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

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.

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USS DIXON (AS-37)

U.S. Navy•67 members

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About this Unit

USS DIXON (AS-37)

U.S. Navy

Unit members

Alan Fishell

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1981 - 1983

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Daniel Bowlby

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1983 - 1984

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Manny Trevizo

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1992 - 1994

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Jason Brehm

U.S. Navy · 1991 - 1995

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Navy photos

Somewhere in Kuwait near the Iraqi border

Siezed Soviet/Iraqi Tank that was abandoned

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About USS DIXON (AS-37)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

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.