USS FULTON AS-11

• 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. • Class: She was a Fulton-class submarine tender, designed to provide maintenance, repair, and logistical support to submarines. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.