USS SIMON LAKE

• Namesake: USS Simon Lake (AS-33) was named after Simon Lake, an American mechanical engineer and naval architect who was a pioneer in submarine design. • Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on 7 November 1964, serving as a submarine tender for the United States Navy. • Role: USS Simon Lake’s primary mission was to provide repair, maintenance, and logistical support to submarines, particularly those carrying ballistic missiles during the Cold War. • Polaris and Poseidon Support: She was specially outfitted to support Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missile submarines, playing a crucial strategic role in nuclear deterrence. • First Homeport: Her original homeport was Charleston, South Carolina, before deploying to various locations worldwide. • Holy Loch, Scotland: In 1966, Simon Lake deployed to Holy Loch, Scotland, becoming a familiar sight and an important support facility for U.S. submarines operating in the Atlantic. • Global Operations: The ship served at several key locations including Rota, Spain; Kings Bay, Georgia; La Maddalena, Sardinia; and even provided support in the Indian Ocean at Diego Garcia. • Women at Sea: In 1988, USS Simon Lake became one of the first ships in the U.S. Navy to have women assigned as part of the crew, marking a significant milestone in naval integration. • Decommissioning: After nearly 35 years of service, the ship was decommissioned on 31 July 1999 and placed in the reserve fleet at Philadelphia. • Decorations: Throughout her service, USS Simon Lake earned multiple awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and several Battle Efficiency ("E") awards for her outstanding performance.