USS Los Alamos (AFDB-7)

• Floating Dry Dock: USS Los Alamos (AFDB-7) was not a ship, but a floating dry dock designed to repair and service naval vessels while afloat, providing critical support far from established naval bases. • Named After a Secret City: The dry dock was named after Los Alamos, New Mexico, the site of the Manhattan Project and the birthplace of the atomic bomb. • Modular Construction: AFDB-7 was constructed in modular sections—each called a “section”—which could be assembled or disassembled and towed independently, allowing for great flexibility in deployment. • Built by Multiple Yards: The sections were built by Chicago Bridge & Iron Company at Morgan City, Louisiana, and shipped to their assembly location. • First Nuclear Submarine Dry Dock: USS Los Alamos became the first floating dry dock specifically designed to service nuclear-powered submarines, including the famous USS Nautilus (SSN-571). • Arctic Operations: In 1962, the dry dock made history by docking the USS Skate (SSN-578) after her surfacing at the North Pole, demonstrating the ability to maintain nuclear submarines even after Arctic operations. • Stationed at Holy Loch, Scotland: Los Alamos was stationed at Holy Loch, Scotland, serving as a forward repair facility for the US Navy’s nuclear submarine fleet during the Cold War. • Support for Polaris Program: The dry dock played a crucial role in supporting the Polaris ballistic missile submarine program, ensuring the readiness of the nuclear deterrent at sea. • International Crew: At various times, British workers and Royal Navy personnel trained and worked aboard Los Alamos alongside Americans, highlighting close US-UK naval cooperation. • Final Fate: After decades of service, Los Alamos was decommissioned and towed back to the United States. Some sections were scrapped, while others found new life in commercial or foreign service.