About this Unit
USS Grand Canyon (AD-28) was a Shenandoah-class destroyer tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946. Designed to provide maintenance, repair, and logistical support to destroyers and other small warships, she served extensively in the Atlantic Fleet and Mediterranean Sea during the Cold War. The ship participated in numerous NATO exercises, supported the fleet during crises such as the Lebanon intervention in 1958, and routinely deployed with the U.S. Sixth Fleet. Decommissioned in 1978 after over three decades of service, USS Grand Canyon was eventually sold for scrap in 1980.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Grand Canyon (AD-28) was named after the Grand Canyon, one of America's most iconic natural landmarks.
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Keel Laid: The ship’s keel was laid down on November 16, 1944, at the Todd Shipyards in Tacoma, Washington, during the final year of World War II.
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Commissioning: USS Grand Canyon was commissioned on April 5, 1946, after the conclusion of World War II, and thus never saw wartime service during that conflict.
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Primary Mission: As a Dixie-class destroyer tender, her mission was to provide repair, maintenance, and logistic support to destroyers and other small ships, serving as a floating shipyard.
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Cold War Service: The ship played a vital support role during the Cold War, particularly in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, helping maintain the operational readiness of the U.S. 6th Fleet.
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Suez Crisis: During the Suez Crisis in 1956, USS Grand Canyon provided essential repair and logistic support to U.S. naval forces operating in the Mediterranean region.
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Support in Lebanon: In 1958, the Grand Canyon supported U.S. Navy units during the Lebanon crisis, helping ensure the effectiveness of the fleet during the American intervention.
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Modernization: The ship underwent major upgrades in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including improved repair facilities and living quarters, to keep pace with the evolving needs of the Navy.
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Vietnam War Era: Although primarily serving in the Atlantic, Grand Canyon was deployed to the Pacific in 1961–1962, supporting the growing U.S. naval presence during the early years of the Vietnam War.
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Decommissioning: After more than 30 years of service, USS Grand Canyon was decommissioned on September 1, 1978, and later sold for scrap, concluding a distinguished career supporting the fleet in peace and crisis.
