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USS FRANK CABLE

U.S. Navy•54 members

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About this Unit

USS FRANK CABLE

U.S. Navy

The USS FRANK CABLE (AS-40) is a submarine tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1979. Named after Frank Taylor Cable, a pioneer in submarine development, the vessel was originally homeported in Charleston, South Carolina, providing maintenance and logistical support to submarines and surface ships. In 1996, the Frank Cable was forward-deployed to Guam, where it continues to serve as a vital support platform for the U.S. Pacific Fleet, enhancing the Navy's operational readiness in the Indo-Pacific region. Over its decades of service, the ship has participated in numerous missions, humanitarian assistance efforts, and joint exercises with allied nations.

About USS FRANK CABLE

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Namesake: USS Frank Cable (AS-40) is named after Frank Taylor Cable, a pioneer in submarine development and testing for the US Navy in the early 20th century.
Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on 28 October 1979, entering service as a submarine tender designed to support and maintain submarines and surface ships.
Builder: Constructed by Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company in Seattle, Washington, Frank Cable is the only ship of her class, after her sister ship, USS McKee, was canceled.
Homeport: Originally homeported in Charleston, South Carolina, Frank Cable was later reassigned to Guam in 1996, where she continues her vital support mission in the Pacific.
Operation Tomodachi: In 2011, Frank Cable played a humanitarian role following the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan, providing aid and support to the affected regions.
Accident: In December 2006, a tragic steam line rupture aboard the ship while in Guam resulted in the deaths of two sailors and injuries to several others, highlighting the risks faced by support crews.
Battle Efficiency Awards: Frank Cable has earned multiple Battle "E" awards for excellence in operational readiness and performance throughout her service.
Repair Capabilities: The ship features a wide range of repair facilities, including machine shops, electrical shops, foundries, and medical and dental services, enabling her to serve as a floating maintenance center.
Flagship Role: Frank Cable has served as the flagship for Commander, Submarine Squadron 15, supporting both U.S. and allied submarines in the region.
Enduring Service: Despite being over four decades old, USS Frank Cable remains a critical asset for U.S. Navy operations in the Pacific, often termed a "force multiplier" for submarine readiness.

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USS FRANK CABLE

U.S. Navy•54 members

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About this Unit

USS FRANK CABLE

U.S. Navy

Unit members

Isaac P. Saler

U.S. Navy Veteran

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Stephen Strapp

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1986 - 1992

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Jerry Booker

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1989 - 1992

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Margaret Barche

U.S. Navy · 1983 - 1984

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Navy photos

Somewhere in Kuwait near the Iraqi border

Siezed Soviet/Iraqi Tank that was abandoned

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About USS FRANK CABLE

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Namesake: USS Frank Cable (AS-40) is named after Frank Taylor Cable, a pioneer in submarine development and testing for the US Navy in the early 20th century.
Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on 28 October 1979, entering service as a submarine tender designed to support and maintain submarines and surface ships.
Builder: Constructed by Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company in Seattle, Washington, Frank Cable is the only ship of her class, after her sister ship, USS McKee, was canceled.
Homeport: Originally homeported in Charleston, South Carolina, Frank Cable was later reassigned to Guam in 1996, where she continues her vital support mission in the Pacific.
Operation Tomodachi: In 2011, Frank Cable played a humanitarian role following the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan, providing aid and support to the affected regions.
Accident: In December 2006, a tragic steam line rupture aboard the ship while in Guam resulted in the deaths of two sailors and injuries to several others, highlighting the risks faced by support crews.
Battle Efficiency Awards: Frank Cable has earned multiple Battle "E" awards for excellence in operational readiness and performance throughout her service.
Repair Capabilities: The ship features a wide range of repair facilities, including machine shops, electrical shops, foundries, and medical and dental services, enabling her to serve as a floating maintenance center.
Flagship Role: Frank Cable has served as the flagship for Commander, Submarine Squadron 15, supporting both U.S. and allied submarines in the region.
Enduring Service: Despite being over four decades old, USS Frank Cable remains a critical asset for U.S. Navy operations in the Pacific, often termed a "force multiplier" for submarine readiness.