About this Unit
USS Emory S. Land (AS-39) is a United States Navy submarine tender commissioned on July 7, 1979. Named after Admiral Emory S. Land, the ship was designed to provide maintenance, logistical support, and supplies to submarines while at sea or in port. Throughout its service, Emory S. Land has supported both Pacific and Atlantic Fleet submarines, participating in numerous operations and exercises worldwide. The vessel has been homeported in various locations, including La Maddalena, Italy, and Diego Garcia, demonstrating its critical role in sustaining U.S. undersea warfare capabilities.
Historical Facts
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Name Origin: USS Emory S. Land (AS-39) is named after Admiral Emory S. Land, who played a pivotal role in the expansion of the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet during World War II.
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Ship Class: She is the lead ship of the Emory S. Land-class of submarine tenders, designed to provide maintenance, logistics, and support for nuclear-powered submarines.
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Launch and Commission: The ship was launched on May 4, 1977, by Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company in Seattle, Washington, and commissioned on July 7, 1979.
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Homeport History: Over her career, USS Emory S. Land has been homeported in various locations, including Norfolk, Virginia; La Maddalena, Italy; and Diego Garcia, reflecting her global support mission.
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Support Role in the Cold War: During the Cold War, she was a vital support platform for forward-deployed U.S. Navy submarines in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, often operating in strategic locations.
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Flagship Duties: The ship has served as the flagship for Commander, Submarine Group 8, and Commander, Submarine Squadron 22, showcasing her importance within the submarine fleet.
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Multi-National Crew: While stationed in La Maddalena, Italy, USS Emory S. Land operated with a hybrid crew of U.S. Navy sailors and civilian mariners, known as the Military Sealift Command (MSC) hybrid crew.
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Notable Deployments: In 2010, she was forward deployed to Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean to replace USS Frank Cable (AS-40), continuing critical support for the Pacific Fleet.
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Humanitarian Assistance: Over her service life, USS Emory S. Land has been involved in various humanitarian missions, including disaster relief and support to local communities during deployments.
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Versatile Capabilities: Beyond submarine support, the ship is equipped with machine shops, electronic repair facilities, medical and dental clinics, and can even host helicopters, making her a floating support city.
