USS Vulcan (AR-5)

• Namesake: USS Vulcan (AR-5) was named after Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and metalworking, reflecting the ship’s role as a repair vessel. • First of Her Kind: She was the lead ship of her class, the Vulcan-class repair ships, and was launched on December 14, 1940. • World War II Service: During World War II, Vulcan provided vital repair support to the Atlantic Fleet, servicing vessels damaged by German U-boats and other hazards. • First Ship to Bear the Name: She was the first U.S. Navy ship to bear the name Vulcan. • Pearl Harbor Aftermath: Though she was not at Pearl Harbor during the attack, Vulcan was instrumental in repairing Pacific Fleet ships in the years that followed. • Korean War Support: The ship provided critical repairs to vessels during the Korean War, demonstrating her versatility and importance in fleet operations. • First U.S. Navy Ship with an All-Female Crew Section: In 1978, Vulcan became the first U.S. Navy ship to have women serve as part of the regular crew, marking a historic change in naval policy. • Cuban Missile Crisis: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, Vulcan was deployed to provide emergency repairs and support to ships enforcing the naval blockade. • Long Service Life: Vulcan served for over 50 years, from 1941 to 1991, making her one of the longest-serving ships in U.S. Navy history. • Decommissioning and Fate: She was decommissioned on September 30, 1991, and eventually sold for scrap in 2006, concluding a distinguished career of service.