About this Unit
USS Emory S. Land (AS-39) is a submarine tender of the United States Navy, named in honor of Admiral Emory S. Land, a key figure in naval shipbuilding. Commissioned on July 7, 1979, the vessel was designed to provide maintenance, logistics, and support services to submarines and their crews while deployed at sea or in port. Over its service life, USS Emory S. Land has operated in various regions, including the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Pacific, supporting both attack and ballistic missile submarines. The ship remains active and forward-deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet, continuing to play a vital role in sustaining naval undersea operations.
Historical Facts
• Namesake: USS Emory S. Land (AS-39) is named after Admiral Emory S. Land, a key figure in U.S. naval shipbuilding and a former head of the U.S. Maritime Commission during World War II.
• Launch and Commissioning: The ship was launched on May 4, 1977, at the Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company in Seattle, Washington, and commissioned on July 7, 1979.
• Primary Mission: USS Emory S. Land is a submarine tender, designed to provide maintenance, logistics, and support to nuclear-powered submarines, allowing them to remain at sea longer.
• Unique Design: The vessel is part of the Emory S. Land-class of submarine tenders and is one of the largest ships in the U.S. Navy by displacement, with extensive repair and machine shops on board.
• World Travels: USS Emory S. Land has served in various locations, including the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Indian Ocean, supporting U.S. and allied submarines worldwide.
• Homeports: The ship has had several homeports over its career, including Norfolk, Virginia; La Maddalena, Italy; Bremerton, Washington; and Guam, reflecting its global operational role.
• Role in Cold War: During the Cold War, Emory S. Land played a critical role in maintaining the readiness of the U.S. Navy’s ballistic missile submarine fleet, often operating in forward areas.
• Humanitarian Assistance: The ship has participated in humanitarian missions, providing aid and support during regional crises and natural disasters in its areas of operation.
• Flagship Duties: USS Emory S. Land has served as the flagship for various submarine squadrons and has hosted senior military and civilian leadership from the U.S. and allied nations.
• Longevity and Modernization: Despite being over 40 years old, the ship remains in active service, receiving numerous upgrades and modernizations to maintain its vital support capabilities for today’s Navy.
