USS Holland (AS-32)

• First of Her Class: USS Holland (AS-32) was the lead ship of the Holland-class submarine tenders, designed to support and maintain ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) during the Cold War. • Commissioning Date: The vessel was commissioned on September 7, 1963, at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. • Strategic Role: USS Holland played a crucial role in the support and repair of the U.S. Navy’s Polaris and Poseidon missile submarines, ensuring the operational readiness of America’s nuclear deterrent force. • Homeports: Over her career, Holland was homeported at several key locations, including Rota, Spain; Charleston, South Carolina; and Holy Loch, Scotland. • Holy Loch Deployment: Holland served as the flagship of Submarine Squadron 14 at Holy Loch, Scotland, a major forward base for U.S. submarines during the Cold War. • Innovative Capabilities: The ship was equipped with advanced repair shops, machine tools, and medical facilities, allowing it to conduct complex repairs and overhauls far from U.S. shores. • Historic Visits: USS Holland hosted numerous high-ranking officials and foreign dignitaries, serving as a symbol of U.S. commitment to NATO and allied cooperation. • Women at Sea: In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Holland was among the first U.S. Navy ships to integrate women into its crew, marking a significant milestone in naval history. • Decommissioning: After nearly 30 years of service, USS Holland was decommissioned on September 30, 1996, at Charleston, South Carolina. • Legacy: Parts of the ship were scrapped, but her bell and other artifacts have been preserved in museums, serving as a tribute to her role in maintaining the United States’ strategic deterrent during the Cold War.