About this Unit
USS Escape (ARS-6) was a Diver-class rescue and salvage ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. During World War II, she provided vital salvage, towing, and rescue operations in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, supporting fleet movements and aiding damaged vessels. After the war, Escape continued her service during the Korean War and throughout the Cold War, participating in numerous recovery missions and training exercises. Decommissioned in 1978, USS Escape was later transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard, where she continued to serve until her final decommissioning.
Historical Facts
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Commissioning and Class: USS Escape (ARS-6) was a Diver-class rescue and salvage ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943 during World War II.
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World War II Service: She played a vital role in naval operations along the U.S. East Coast, performing salvage and rescue missions for damaged ships, especially after enemy submarine attacks.
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Normandy Invasion: USS Escape participated in the Normandy invasion (D-Day) in June 1944, helping to clear wrecks and salvage ships off the coast of France to keep supply lines open.
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Post-War Operations: After WWII, Escape continued salvage operations, including aiding stricken ships, towing, and wreck removal along the Atlantic coast and in the Caribbean.
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Arctic Rescue: In 1947, USS Escape was involved in a rescue mission for the icebound USS Nanuq, demonstrating her ability to operate in extreme cold environments.
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Korean War Support: Though not directly in combat, Escape supported the Korean War effort through salvage and towing assignments, reflecting her ongoing versatility.
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Operation Skyhook: In the 1950s, Escape assisted with Operation Skyhook, a high-altitude balloon research program, by recovering scientific equipment from the ocean.
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Humanitarian Missions: The ship also aided civilian vessels in distress, providing firefighting, towing, and rescue services—a testament to her peacetime value.
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Decommissioning and Coast Guard Service: USS Escape was decommissioned from the Navy in 1978 and transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard, where she was renamed USCGC Escape (WMEC-6).
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Final Fate: After decades of service, both with the Navy and Coast Guard, she was eventually struck from the Coast Guard rolls and sold for scrap, ending the long and varied career of a remarkable ship.
