About this Unit
USS Nereus (AS-17) was a Fulton-class submarine tender commissioned by the United States Navy on 27 October 1944. During World War II, she provided vital repair, supply, and maintenance services to submarines operating in the Pacific Theater, particularly at Pearl Harbor and Guam. After the war, Nereus continued to serve in both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, supporting submarine operations during the early years of the Cold War. The ship was decommissioned in 1971, concluding over two decades of distinguished service to the U.S. submarine force.
Historical Facts
• Commissioned During WWII: USS Nereus (AS-17) was commissioned on 27 October 1944 to serve as a submarine tender, supporting the vital Pacific submarine fleet during World War II.
• Named After a Sea God: The ship was named after Nereus, a Greek sea god known as the "Old Man of the Sea," fitting for a vessel dedicated to submarine support.
• Guam Operations: Nereus provided critical repair and supply services to submarines at Apra Harbor, Guam, helping to maintain the offensive pressure on Japanese maritime forces.
• Service After V-J Day: After Japan's surrender, Nereus remained active in the Pacific, servicing submarines involved in occupation and demobilization duties.
• Decommissioned Post-war: She was decommissioned for the first time on 30 June 1947, as the postwar Navy downsized.
• Korean War Reactivation: With the outbreak of the Korean War, Nereus was recommissioned on 21 February 1952 to meet the renewed demand for submarine support.
• Long Service at San Diego: For much of her peacetime career, Nereus was based in San Diego, supporting the Pacific Fleet submarines through the 1950s and 1960s.
• Submarine Squadron 3: She frequently served as the tender for Submarine Squadron 3, providing logistical and maintenance support for the growing Cold War submarine force.
• Vietnam War Era: While not directly in combat, Nereus supported submarines engaged in surveillance and deterrence missions during the Vietnam War era.
• Final Decommissioning and Fate: After decades of service, USS Nereus was decommissioned on 30 December 1971 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1974. She was scrapped in 1975, ending over 25 years of service to the U.S. Navy.
