About this Unit
USS **Tidewater** (AD-31) was a Shenandoah-class destroyer tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946. Serving primarily in the Atlantic Fleet, she provided vital repair and logistical support to destroyers and other ships, particularly during the Cold War era. Tidewater participated in numerous fleet exercises, NATO operations, and deployments to the Mediterranean with the 6th Fleet. After more than two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1971 and later transferred to the Venezuelan Navy, where she served as Puerto Santo (A-24).
Historical Facts
• Commissioned Post-WWII: USS Tidewater (AD-31) was commissioned on February 19, 1946, just after the end of World War II, and served primarily as a destroyer tender.
• Norfolk Homeport: Her homeport for much of her service was Norfolk, Virginia, where she provided vital maintenance and logistical support to the Atlantic Fleet's destroyers.
• Cold War Service: USS Tidewater was an integral support vessel during the early years of the Cold War, ensuring U.S. naval readiness in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
• Mediterranean Deployments: She regularly deployed with the 6th Fleet, offering tender services to ships patrolling the Mediterranean Sea during tense periods of the Cold War.
• Cuban Missile Crisis Support: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, Tidewater played a support role, helping to maintain the naval blockade ships.
• Women at Sea: In 1972, USS Tidewater became one of the first U.S. Navy ships to embark female officers, marking a significant moment in Navy history.
• Vietnam War Era: Although not deployed to Vietnam, Tidewater supported Atlantic Fleet ships that participated in the conflict by maintaining their operational readiness.
• Modernization: She underwent several upgrades throughout her career, including improvements in her repair shops and living quarters to keep pace with advancing naval technology.
• Transfer to Indonesia: After decommissioning in 1971, the ship was transferred to Indonesia in 1971, where she served as KRI Dumai (652) until 1984.
• Decorations: USS Tidewater earned several awards, including the Navy Occupation Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal, reflecting her contributions during various military operations.
