About this Unit
**USS San Onofre (ARD-30)** was an Auxiliary Repair Dock constructed for the United States Navy during World War II. Commissioned in 1944, ARD-30 provided vital floating drydock services, enabling repair and maintenance of naval vessels in forward areas of the Pacific Theater. After the war, the unit continued to serve the fleet during the early Cold War, supporting peacetime operations and readiness. Eventually, USS San Onofre was decommissioned and struck from the Naval Vessel Register, concluding decades of behind-the-scenes support that kept the Navy’s ships combat-ready.
Historical Facts
• World War II Service: USS San Onofre (ARD-30) was an Auxiliary Repair Dock constructed during World War II, contributing vital repair services to the Pacific Fleet.
• Floating Drydock: As an ARD-class drydock, San Onofre could lift destroyers, submarines, and other vessels out of the water for repairs, playing a crucial behind-the-scenes role in fleet readiness.
• Post-War Service: Though built during WWII, San Onofre continued to serve the US Navy during the postwar years, supporting fleet operations during the Korean War and Cold War era.
• Name Origin: The ship was named after San Onofre, a coastal area in California, reflecting the Navy’s tradition of naming repair docks after US geographic locations.
• Strategic Mobility: Unlike fixed drydocks, ARD-30 was mobile and could be towed to wherever repairs were needed, including forward operating bases and advanced anchorages.
• Vital Role in Pacific Bases: San Onofre and similar ARDs were instrumental at Pacific island bases, helping damaged ships return to action without long transits back to mainland shipyards.
• Decommissioning and Reserve: After decades of service, USS San Onofre was eventually decommissioned and placed in the National Defense Reserve Fleet, a testament to its longevity.
• Support for Submarines: The drydock’s design allowed it to service submarines, which was essential during the Cold War as undersea warfare became increasingly important.
• Minimal Crew, Maximum Impact: Although it had a relatively small crew, the ARD-30 could support large-scale repair operations, including hull and machinery work, helping keep the fleet operational.
• Legacy: USS San Onofre ARD-30 is remembered as one of the unsung heroes of naval logistics, enabling countless ships to return to battle and ensuring the Navy’s global reach.
