About this Unit
USS Fulton (AS-11) was a Fulton-class submarine tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1941. Throughout World War II, she provided vital maintenance, repair, and logistical support to submarines operating in the Pacific Theater, including during key campaigns such as those in the Solomons and the Philippines. After the war, USS Fulton continued to serve through the Korean War and into the Cold War era, supporting both conventional and nuclear-powered submarines. Decommissioned in 1991, she was one of the longest-serving submarine tenders in the U.S. Navy, with a distinguished record of service spanning five decades.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Fulton (AS-11) was named after Robert Fulton, the American inventor who developed the first commercially successful steamboat and contributed to early submarine development.
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Class: She was a Fulton-class submarine tender, designed to provide maintenance, repair, and logistical support to submarines.
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World War II Service: Commissioned in 1941, USS Fulton played a crucial role in supporting submarine operations in the Pacific Theater during World War II, especially at Pearl Harbor and Midway.
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Pearl Harbor Survivor: On December 7, 1941, USS Fulton was present at Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack and provided vital assistance to damaged vessels.
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Submarine Support: Over her career, Fulton serviced more than 100 submarines, performing repairs, resupply, and crew support, helping maintain the operational readiness of the US Navy’s submarine fleet.
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Korean War: USS Fulton continued submarine support operations during the Korean War, stationed at strategic locations in the Pacific to ensure American submarines could remain on station.
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Modernizations: She underwent multiple overhauls, including upgrades to her support facilities, enabling her to support newer classes of submarines, including the advent of nuclear-powered boats.
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First to Support Nuclear Submarines: Fulton was one of the first submarine tenders equipped to support nuclear-powered submarines, marking an important transition in US naval technology.
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Longevity: Fulton served for nearly 50 years, from her commissioning in December 1941 until her decommissioning in January 1991, making her one of the longest-serving ships of her type.
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Decommissioning and Legacy: After decommissioning, USS Fulton was struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1991. Her legacy continues through the countless submariners and submarines she supported during her decades of service.
