The USS Canopus AS-34, a submarine tender for the United States Navy took its name from the star Canopus, which's the brightest star in the night sky. Ingalls Shipbuilding Corporation in Pascagoula Mississippi constructed this ship. Construction began on May 4, 1964 and it was launched on March 12, 1965. On May 4, 1967, Captain Robert W. Berry assumed command of the USS Canopus when it was commissioned. Its purpose was to provide maintenance, repair services, and logistical support to a fleet of submarines.
The USS Canopus shares its name with a star called Canopus that resides in the Carina constellation in the sky. This celestial body is renowned for its brilliance and significance in navigation. Like its namesake, the USS Canopus served as a guiding light for submarines under its care by offering assistance that enabled them to fulfill their missions effectively.
What set apart the USS Canopus from others was its size and capacity. Measuring at 599 feet long with a beam of 83 feet and a draft of 24 feet, it had a displacement of 20,000 tons at load. The ship had workshops and facilities on board such as a machine shop, electrical shop, weapons repair shop, and nuclear repair shop. These facilities allowed the ship to offer support to the submarines it serviced.
The USS Canopus made an impact on the US Navy. It served in capacities over its life including during the Cold War. The ships ability to provide maintenance and repair services to submarines in locations greatly improved the readiness and effectiveness of the US submarine fleet. The USS Canopus also played a role in events in naval history such as assisting in the recovery of the Apollo 11 astronauts.
The Canopus AS-34: Versatility and Strength
Belonging to the Simon Lake class of submarine tenders, the USS Canopus was part of a group specifically designed to support the US Navy's fleet of nuclear powered submarines. This class of ships was groundbreaking as it was equipped with a nuclear repair department, reflecting the growing importance of power within the US Navy's submarine fleet. Like ships in its class, self sufficiency was a design feature for USS Canopus, enabling it to offer a wide range of services without relying on shore based facilities.
The commissioning of the USS Canopus was a milestone for the US Navy's submarine support capabilities. The ships advanced facilities and improved capabilities marked an upgrade from submarine tenders. The USS Canopus had a distinguished service career, making contributions to the operational readiness and effectiveness of the US Navy's submarine fleet.
The USS Canopus AS-34 belonged to the Simon Lake class of submarine tenders which were specifically designed to offer maintenance and logistical support to submarines. With its length measuring 643 feet beam at 85 feet and draft at 30 feet the ship had a displacement of around 20,000 tons when fully loaded. Powered by a steam turbine engine propelling a propeller it could reach speeds of up to 20 knots. The ship was also equipped with technology for that era, such as radar and sonar systems for detecting and tracking submarines.
Onboard the USS Canopus were workshops dedicated to supporting submarine maintenance and repair tasks. These included machine shops, electrical repair facilities as a foundry. The Canopus had a range of facilities that allowed it to handle repair and maintenance tasks from upkeep to major repairs. Additionally, the ship had storage space for parts and other necessary supplies.
In terms of weaponry, the USS Canopus was not heavily armed since its primary purpose was support than combat. However, it did have weapons to safeguard itself against threats. These included four 3 inch/50 caliber guns of engaging both surface and airborne targets. The maximum firing range for these guns was 14,600 yards against surface targets and 10,000 yards against aircraft.
Furthermore, the ship carried a variety of arms and other weapons for use by its crew. These included M14 rifles, M1911 pistols, and M2 browning machine guns. The crew members were trained in utilizing these weapons for self defense as repelling intruders or boarders. Additionally, the Canopus was equipped with firefighting equipment and damage control gear to enable the crew to respond during emergencies and ensure functionality even in unfavorable conditions.
Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contributions to the Fleet
Over time, the USS Canopus AS-34 went through enhancements to improve its efficiency and adapt to the evolving requirements of the US Navy. Originally designed as a submarine tender, the ship was equipped with repair facilities like machine shops, foundries, and a dry dock. However, as technology progressed, the Canopus underwent retrofitting with communication systems, upgraded navigation equipment, and improved repair facilities specifically tailored for servicing nuclear powered submarines. These upgrades ensured that the ship remained an asset to the fleet by providing maintenance and repair services at sea.
The mission capabilities of USS Canopus were diverse and played a role in maintaining operational readiness for the US Navy's submarine fleet. As a submarine tender, its responsibilities encompassed providing support such as supplying food, fuel, and ammunition to submarines. Additionally, it had capabilities for conducting repairs and maintenance tasks without requiring submarines to return to land based facilities. This capability significantly increased submarine availability for operations while contributing to fleet effectiveness.
The contributions made by USS Canopus AS-34 were substantial in supporting submarines throughout its service tenure. Its dedication ensured their readiness for deployment. The Canopus played a role during the Cold War providing assistance to the fleet of ballistic missile submarines that acted as a deterrent against the Soviet Union. The ships ability to conduct repairs at sea and offer support greatly increased the flexibility and endurance of the submarines it served.
To summarize, the USS Canopus AS-34 was an asset for the US Navy providing support to its submarine fleet. Through upgrades, it remained relevant and capable of meeting evolving fleet requirements. The ships mission capabilities and contributions significantly boosted readiness and effectiveness of the submarines it serviced, making it a crucial component of US Navy operations.
Memories Afloat: USS Canopus (AS-34) Crew Chronicles
The USS Canopus (AS-34) has left an indelible mark on the hearts of the sailors who served aboard her. From the late 1960s to the mid-1990s, crew members shared their memories of life on this versatile submarine tender. Join us as we delve into the recollections of these dedicated individuals who called the Canopus their home away from home.
Steven 'Steve' Read - Electronics Calibration Lab Adventures (1968-1971):
Steve Read's journey aboard the USS Canopus began in 1968, where he worked in the Electronics Calibration Lab (FECL). His tour took him to Rota, Spain, Bremerton, WA for an overhaul, and Holy Loch, Scotland. Before Canopus, Steve had also served on the USS Enterprise (1965-1967).
Ralph Omeara - Cherished Memories (1977-1981):
Ralph Omeara reflects on his time as a Seaman on the USS Canopus. He fondly remembers the camaraderie with fellow crew members, from Captain Will to Chief Lingard. Standing quarterdeck watches and ringing Canopus's arrival bell remain etched in his memory.
'Penny Lee' Walker - Waxing Mishaps (1986-1989):
Penny Lee Walker humorously recalls Wednesday night field days when the crew had to wax the passageways. A security alert once interrupted their cleaning, leading to a hilarious encounter with impatient Marines.
James Jones - A Grand Tour (1965-1971):
James Jones provides a whirlwind tour of his service aboard the Canopus, starting with precommissioning in Pascagoula. His journey took him to various destinations, including Charleston, Gitmo, Puerto Rico, Lisbon, Rota, Montego Bay, Panama, Acapulco, Bremerton, Panama, and finally, Hawaii.
Eugene Burkett - Family Memories in Rota, Spain (1966-1969):
Eugene Burkett's family lived in Rota, Spain, while he served aboard the Canopus. He fondly remembers the camaraderie with the crew and their families during his time in Rota.
Klaus 'Pete' Stuchlik - From Editing 'THE HELMSMAN' to Hosting Radio Shows (1969-1972):
Klaus Stuchlik recalls his final year aboard the Canopus, where he edited 'THE HELMSMAN' and worked in the general mess. Today, he edits web pages and hosts radio shows in Portland.
Jim Shepard - Post Office Memories (1979-1981):
Jim Shepard reflects on his role in the post office aboard the Canopus. He notes the absence of women in the post office during his enlistment and discovers, in 2006, that the ship was eventually scrapped.
Mike Krebsbach - Love and Storms in Scotland (1974-1977):
Mike Krebsbach's memories include getting married before reporting to Holy Loch, living in a tiny cottage near the ship's bow, and loving his visits to Scotland. He vividly recalls a massive storm during the journey to Charleston.
Robert 'Bob' Hilts Jr. - Scotland and Concerts (1974-1975):
Bob Hilts Jr. fondly remembers his time aboard the Canopus, particularly his visits to Scotland and attending concerts in Glasgow, featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd and Jethro Tull. He reminisces about flying back to DC for the last nine months of his duty.
John Scott Kelsey - A Can-Do Attitude (1993-1995):
John Scott Kelsey praises the Canopus for its exceptional repair capabilities, emphasizing that the crew never turned down a job. He recalls the hard work but also the fun and camaraderie among the crew members.
Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Canopus AS-34 had a service record with deployments spanning across regions worldwide. In response to the Yom Kippur War in 1973, it was redeployed to the Caribbean providing support to the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Noteworthy deployments also included missions in the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf where its role proved invaluable in supporting U.S. Operations.
The USS Canopus actively participated in conflicts throughout its time in service. During the Vietnam War, the ship played a role by providing repair services to the U.S. 7th Fleet, making a contribution to the overall U.S. War efforts. In the 1980s as part of Operation Desert Shield, the Canopus was deployed to the Persian Gulf where it offered maintenance and repair services to support the U.S. 5th Fleet. Its involvement in these conflicts was vital as it ensured that U.S. Naval forces were operationally ready.
Throughout its years of service, the USS Canopus received awards and commendations for its performance. The ship was honored with the Navy Unit Commendation for its repair services to the Fleet during the Vietnam War. Additionally, it received recognition through the Meritorious Unit Commendation for its contributions during Operation Desert Shield. Furthermore, several Battle Efficiency "E" awards were bestowed upon this ship as recognition of its operational excellence.
Although decommissioned in 1994, the legacy of USS Canopus lives on. Its remarkable service record stands as a testament to the dedication and professionalism exhibited by its crew members. The ship has received awards and commendations which demonstrate its performance and valuable contributions to the U.S. Navy.
USS Canopus AS-34 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Simon Lake Class Submarine Tender |
| Commissioned | November 4, 1965 |
| Displacement | 20,088 tons |
| Length | 644 feet |
| Beam | 85 feet |
| Draft | 30 feet |
| Speed | 20 knots |
| Complement | 1,420 |