USS ORION

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Conversion for Nuclear Submarines: In 1960, Orion was converted to support the Navy's new nuclear-powered submarines, reflecting the era's technological advancements. • 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. • 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. • Namesake Legacy: USS Orion was the third US Navy vessel to bear the name "Orion," named after the constellation, symbolizing navigation and exploration. • 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.