About this Unit
USS Edenton (ATS-1) was the lead ship of the Edenton-class salvage and rescue ships in the United States Navy. Commissioned in 1971, Edenton was designed to provide towing, salvage, and rescue operations for fleet units and to assist in recovery missions. Throughout her service, she operated primarily in the Atlantic and Caribbean, supporting naval exercises, towing damaged vessels, and participating in search and rescue missions. In 1997, USS Edenton was decommissioned and later transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard, where she was recommissioned as USCGC Alex Haley (WMEC-39).
Historical Facts
• First in Her Class: USS Edenton (ATS-1) was the lead ship of the Edenton-class salvage and rescue ships, commissioned by the US Navy in 1971.
• Named After a Historic Town: The ship was named after Edenton, North Carolina, reflecting the Navy's tradition of honoring American towns and cities.
• Rescue and Salvage Role: Edenton’s primary mission was to provide salvage, towing, firefighting, and rescue operations, supporting both peacetime and combat missions.
• Vietnam War Service: Although commissioned near the end of the Vietnam War, USS Edenton played a key role in post-war operations, including the recovery and towing of damaged vessels.
• Notable Incident – Mercury Spacecraft Recovery: Edenton participated in recovery operations for NASA’s Mercury space program, assisting in the retrieval of space capsules after splashdown (as part of the Navy's recovery fleet).
• Icebreaking Capability: The ship had reinforced hull features, allowing her to operate in icy waters, as demonstrated during operations in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions.
• International Missions: USS Edenton was deployed in multiple international exercises and joint missions, including NATO operations and support for allied navies.
• Conversion to Coast Guard Cutter: After decommissioning from the Navy in 1997, Edenton was transferred to the US Coast Guard, where she was refitted and recommissioned as USCGC Alex Haley (WMEC-39).
• Award Recognition: Throughout her service, Edenton earned several awards, including the Navy E Ribbon and the National Defense Service Medal, recognizing her crew’s professionalism and operational excellence.
• Legacy of Service: As USCGC Alex Haley, the former Edenton continues to serve today, primarily conducting search and rescue, fisheries enforcement, and homeland security missions in Alaskan waters.
