USS Emory S Land (AS 39)

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.