About this Unit
USS ORION (AS-18) was a Fulton-class submarine tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943 during World War II. She played a vital role supporting submarine operations in the Pacific Theater, providing repairs, supplies, and maintenance to fleet submarines at forward bases including Midway, Pearl Harbor, and Guam. After World War II, ORION continued her service through the Korean and Vietnam Wars, adapting to the changing needs of the submarine force during the Cold War. Decommissioned in 1993, USS ORION had a distinguished career spanning five decades, ensuring the operational readiness of the U.S. Navy’s submarines.
Historical Facts
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USS Orion (AS-18) Commissioned in World War II:
The USS Orion was commissioned on September 30, 1943, as a Fulton-class submarine tender, serving as a vital support ship to US Navy submarines during World War II.
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Pacific Theater Service:
Orion provided critical repair and resupply services to submarines operating out of bases such as Midway, Majuro, Eniwetok, Saipan, and Guam, playing a key logistics role in the Pacific campaign.
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Flagship Duties:
The USS Orion served as the flagship for Submarine Squadrons 14 and 18 during her wartime service, coordinating the activities of multiple submarines.
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Quick Repairs Under Fire:
Orion's crew became renowned for their ability to repair battle-damaged submarines quickly, often under threat of enemy air raids.
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Postwar Service and Cold War Role:
After WWII, Orion continued her service, supporting submarines during the early Cold War years, including at Pearl Harbor and later at Norfolk, Virginia.
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Conversion for Nuclear Submarines:
In 1960, Orion was converted to support the Navy's new nuclear-powered submarines, reflecting the era's technological advancements.
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Service in Europe:
Orion was stationed in Naples, Italy, from 1970 to 1979, providing submarine tender services to the US Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean.
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Longest-Serving Submarine Tender:
By the time of her decommissioning in 1993, USS Orion was the longest-serving submarine tender in the US Navy, with nearly 50 years of service.
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Namesake Legacy:
USS Orion was the third US Navy vessel to bear the name "Orion," named after the constellation, symbolizing navigation and exploration.
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Final Fate – Scrapped:
After decommissioning, USS Orion was eventually sold for scrap in 2006, bringing to a close her long and storied career supporting the silent service.
