About this Unit
USS Hoist (ARS-40) was a Bolster-class rescue and salvage ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Serving in the final months of World War II, she provided critical salvage, repair, and diving operations in the Pacific theater. After the war, USS Hoist continued her service, supporting naval operations during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and undertaking numerous peacetime missions, including towing and recovery tasks. She remained active until her decommissioning in 1994, earning multiple commendations for her vital support roles across nearly five decades of service.
Historical Facts
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Commissioned During World War II: USS Hoist (ARS-40) was commissioned on 21 September 1945, just after the end of World War II, serving as a rescue and salvage ship for the U.S. Navy.
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Salvage Capabilities: As an ARS-class vessel, USS Hoist was equipped with heavy-duty salvage gear, diving equipment, and firefighting apparatus, making her vital for rescuing ships in distress and clearing naval obstacles.
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Post-War Operations: Shortly after being placed into service, Hoist operated along the U.S. East Coast, providing salvage assistance and participating in training exercises to maintain preparedness during peacetime.
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Role in the Cold War: During the Cold War, the USS Hoist played a key support role in maintaining fleet readiness, conducting salvage, towing, and recovery operations in both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
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Notable Recovery: TWA Flight 800: In July 1996, Hoist participated in the recovery operations of the TWA Flight 800 disaster off Long Island, demonstrating her crucial peacetime mission capabilities.
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Support During the Cuban Missile Crisis: The vessel was involved in readiness operations during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, supporting U.S. naval blockades and potential salvage needs.
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Vietnam War Service: Although not deployed directly to Vietnam, Hoist provided Atlantic-based salvage support during the Vietnam War era, ensuring the operational status of U.S. fleets.
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Humanitarian Missions: The ship often aided in search-and-rescue missions, including assistance to both civilian and military vessels in distress.
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Decommissioning and Fate: USS Hoist was decommissioned in 1994 after nearly 50 years of service. She was eventually scrapped, marking the end of her long and storied career.
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Legacy and Honors: Through her decades of service, USS Hoist earned multiple unit commendations and is remembered for her versatility, reliability, and the essential behind-the-scenes role she played in U.S. Navy operations.
