Tenders - USS Frank Cable As 40

United States Navy

Submarine Tenders

USS Frank Cable AS 40

USS Frank Cable AS 40 in 1993

USS Frank Cable Patch

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Displacement (tons Laden)	22,650	Built / Launched	? / 1/14/1978
Length	645' 8"	Built By	Lockheed Shipbuilding, Seatle, Wa.
Beam	85' 0"	Class	Emory S. Land
Draft	25' 0"	Commisioned	1980
Speed (rated)	18.0kts
Compliment	1,099

Named in honor of Mr. Frank Cable, a pioneer in submarine engineering and development. Mr. Cable's first introduction to submarines was shortly after the turn of the century when he assisted with electrical work on the submarine HOLLAND after it accidentally sank pierside. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Cable found himself as engineer-in-charge and trial captain for HOLLAND.

Many of his ideas had to be incorporated into HOLLAND before the Navy accepted it as its first successful submarine. Mr. Cable's other accomplishments include helping train the Navy's first submarine crews, and participating in the design and construction of the "A," "R" and "S" classes of submarines. He also organized the New London Ship and Engine Company which built the first marine diesel engine in the United States. His company was later incorporated into the Electric Boat Company, now a subsidiary of General Dynamics. He remained active with the company until his death in 1945 at age 82.

USS FRANK CABLE (AS 40) was built by Lockheed Shipbuilding andConstruction Company, Seattle, WA. The ship was christened on January14, 1978 by Mrs. Rose A. Michaelis, wife of Admiral F. H. Michaelis,then Chief of Naval Material. FRANK CABLE was officially commissioned aship of the United States Navy on February 5, 1980.

FRANK CABLE is the second of three ships of the Emory S. Land class,providing mobile support to surface ships and submarines. FRANK CABLEwas especially designed to tend the nuclear-powered SSN 668 LOS ANGELESclass attack submarines, and has proven its versatility by providingsupport to the recently deactivated Submarine Squadron FOUR, whichincluded ten SSN 637 class nuclear attack submarines, one submarinerescue vessel, and a torpedo recovery vessel; and Submarine SquadronEIGHTEEN which included SSBN 640 class fleet ballistic missilesubmarines.

The ship recently proved its versatility when it changed homeport to Agana, Guam, where, after relieving the USS Holland (AS-32), it became the sole mobile-support platform for all SEVENTH Fleet ships and submarines.

The ship contains 53 specialized shops for surface ship and submarine repair support as well as many services such as laundry, disbursing services, repair parts, medical and dental facilities, legal counseling, postal services, barber shops and a ship's store.

Since 1987, FRANK CABLE has earned the Meritorious Unit Commendation twice, four Battle Efficiency "E's" and numerous department awards including three Repair "R's , three Engineering "E's", two Supply "E's", three CNO Safety "S's", Communications "C", Deck Seamanship 'D", Weapons "W', and the 1994 Atlantic Fleet Athletic Excellence Award. The ship has also been commended for its community involvement in Guam through programs such as adopt-a-school.

In July 1996, USS FRANK CABLE made its first deployment to Japan.

At this time the Frank Cable continues to provide complete forward deployment re-fit and up-keep services for all types of ships at Apra Harbor, Guam.

Another view of the USS Frank Cable AS 40 in 1993

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