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US Navy Divers & Their Related Commands ARS, ASR, ATF, ATA, etc


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Salvage Sailor

USS PAPAGO (ATF-160) Abnaki class in service 1945 to 1992

Cut edge 1950's

 

ATF 160 USS PAPAGO 002.jpg

 

ATF 160 USS PAPAGO 003.jpg

 

USS PAPAGO (ATF-160) Abnaki class in service 1945 to 1992

Different cut edge 1950's

 

ATF 160 USS PAPAGO 004.jpg

ATF 160 USS PAPAGO 005.jpg

 

USS PAPAGO (ATF-160) Abnaki class in service 1945 to 1992

Vietnam Era Ace Novelty

 

ATF 160 USS PAPAGO Ace Novelty 001.jpg

 

ATF 160 USS PAPAGO Ace Novelty 002.jpg

 

USS PAPAGO (ATF-160) Abnaki class in service 1945 to 1992

Different Vietnam era Ace Novelty

 

ATF 160 USS PAPAGO Ace Novelty 005.jpg

 

ATF 160 USS PAPAGO Ace Novelty 006.jpg

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Salvage Sailor
On 12/13/2015 at 11:17 AM, Salvage Sailor said:

USS COUCAL in service 1943 to 1977

 

USS COUCAL (ASR-8) Chanticleer class Submarine Rescue ship in service 1943 to 1977

Different version

 

ASR 8 USS COUCAL 002.jpg

 

ASR 8 USS COUCAL 003.jpg

 

USS COUCAL (ASR-8) Chanticleer class Submarine Rescue ship in service 1943 to 1977

Large Japanese made jacket patch

 

ASR 8 USS COUCAL 004.jpg

 

ASR 8 USS COUCAL 005.jpg

 

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Salvage Sailor
On 12/13/2015 at 2:08 PM, Salvage Sailor said:

USS PETREL ASR 14 in service 1946 to 1991 - 1950's Japanese made patches

 

USS PETREL (ASR-14) Chanticleer class Submarine Rescue vessel in service 1946 to 1991

Her Japanese made Goofy fisherman patch with MADE IN JAPAN Label

 

ASR 14 USS PETREL 005.jpg

 

ASR 14 USS PETREL 006.jpg

 

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Salvage Sailor

USS PENGUIN (ASR-12) Penguin class leader Submarine Rescue ship in service 1944 to 1970

Initially laid down as USS Chetco (ATF-99) Fleet Tug

 

ASR 12 USS PENGUIN 004.jpg

 

MADE IN JAPAN label

 

ASR 12 USS PENGUIN 005.jpg

 

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Salvage Sailor
On 1/1/2015 at 6:35 PM, Salvage Sailor said:

USS PRESERVER (ARS-8) was commissioned in January 1944 and served until 1992. She had a typical Diver class history, Saipan, Tinian, struck by a bomb at Leyte Gulf and on to Tokyo. Service at Bikini for the Atom tests, on to Korea, then Arctic, Space and fleet service throughout the Cold War. She also was the support ship for the Bathyscaph which found the remains of USS THRESHER (SSN-593).

This is a silk patch made in the early 1950’s which was received from a crewman.

 

 

 

USS PRESERVER (ARS-8) Diver class salvage ship in service 1944 to 1992.

This is her Vietnam era patch

 

ARS 8 USS PRESERVER 003.jpg

 

ARS 8 USS PRESERVER 004.jpg

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Salvage Sailor

USS TATNUCK (ATA-195) Sotoyomo class auxiliary fleet tug in service 1945 to 1971

 

ATA 195 USS TATNUCK Ace Novelty 005a.jpg

 

1970's Ace Novelty

 

ATA 195 USS TATNUCK Ace Novelty 006a.jpg

 

USS TATNUCK (ATA-195) Sotoyomo class auxiliary fleet tug in service 1945 to 1971

 

ATA 195 USS TATNUCK Ace Novelty 003.jpg

 

1970's Ace Novelty and her Philippine Mahogany plaque

 

ATA 195 USS TATNUCK 001.jpg

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Salvage Sailor

USS KOKA (ATA-185) Sotoyomo class auxiliary fleet tug in service 1944 to 1971

Service Group One (SERVGRU-1)

 

ATA 185 USS KOKA  001.jpg

 

ATA 185 USS KOKA  004.jpg

 

ATA 185 USS KOKA  005.jpg

 

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Salvage Sailor
On 10/29/2017 at 9:37 AM, Salvage Sailor said:

Achomawi class Fleet Tug USS SALINAN (ATF-161) Key West, Florida - Atlantic Fleet, SERVRON ONE, FOUR & EIGHT in service 1945 to 1978

 

 

USS SALINAN (ATF-161) Three war Achomawi class Fleet Tug in service 1945 to 1978

Ace Novelty Vietnam era version

 

ATF 161 USS SALINAN Ace Novelty 001.jpg

 

ATF 161 USS SALINAN Ace Novelty 002.jpg

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Salvage Sailor

USS RECLAIMER (ARS-42) DIVERS - WESTPAC 1980 made in the PI

 

ARS 42 USS RECLAIMER WESTPAC 80 DIVERS 001.jpg

 

ARS 42 USS RECLAIMER WESTPAC 80 DIVERS 002.jpg

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Salvage Sailor
Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Force, established in 1947, Two star rank, 1960's cut edge Japanese made patch
 
The Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR) serves as independent and objective agency within the United States Navy for the operational testing and evaluation (OT&E) of naval aviation, surface warfare, submarine warfare, C4I, cryptologic, and space systems in support Navy and U.S. Department of Defense acquisition programs.
 
Among the many divisions and units they control are:
 
VX-1 - Naval Air Station Patuxent River at Patuxent River, Maryland
VX-9 - Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake at China Lake, California
VX-9 Detachment - Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico at Naval Air Station Point Mugu at Point Mugu, California
HMX-1 - Quantico, Virginia.
 
Full listing of OPTEVFOR Divisions and Units here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operational_Test_and_Evaluation_Force

 

Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Force 001.jpg

 

Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Force 002.jpg

 

Different Version

Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR)

Undersea Warfare Division - 4.0 - Two Star Rank

 

Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Force 003.jpg

 

Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Force 004.jpg

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I don't think this patch has been posted yet. I have seen different insignia for HCU-1 as well as US and theater made variations of their main patch but this is the first patch I have come across for HCU-2.

 

 

 

 

post-1389-0-84010800-1523388715.jpg

post-1389-0-44458400-1523388728.jpg

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Salvage Sailor

Nice one Tonomachi, not many HCU-2 patches out there (now MDSU-2)

There's a great slide show on HCU-2/MDSU-2 at Little Creek earlier on this topic http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/223824-us-navy-divers-their-related-commands-ars-asr-atf-ata-etc/?p=2331243

 

USS ACCOKEEK (ATA-181) Sotoyomo class Auxiliary Ocean Tug in service 1944 to 1972

Not Impossible - Just Difficult

 

ATA 181 USS ACCOKEEK 001.jpg

 

ATA 181 USS ACCOKEEK 002.jpg

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Salvage Sailor
On 3/29/2018 at 10:38 AM, firefighter said:

Great looking patch

 

Thanks Firefighter,

 

Here's another from the same cruise

USS RECLAIMER (ARS-42) OPERATIONS DEPT - WESTPAC 1980 PI Made

 

ARS 42 USS RECLAIMER WESTPAC 80 OPERATIONs 001.jpg

 

ARS 42 USS RECLAIMER WESTPAC 80 OPERATIONs 002.jpg

 

ARS 42 USS RECLAIMER WESTPAC 80 DIVERS 001.jpg

 

Both Together - USS RECLAIMER WESTPAC 1980 - DIVERS - OPERATION(S)

 

ARS 42 USS RECLAIMER WESTPAC 80 OPERATIONs 001.jpg

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Salvage Sailor

USS TILLAMOOK (ATA-192) In service 1945 to 1971. WWII, Operation Crossroads, Alaskan service, Vietnam Advisory period and Vietnam Market Time service (homeport Yokosuka, Japan)

 

Late in 1964, when the American presence in South Vietnam began to increase, Tillamook also began to visit the ports of that country. However, her missions in Vietnamese waters in 1964 were brief port visits to deliver tows at such places as Danang and Vung Tau, South Vietnam.
 
Shortly after the Tonkin Gulf Incident in August 1964, the US Navy developed a training exercise to simulate firing on small, high-speed targets at night and Tillamook was assigned to participate off Subic Bay. Tillmook would tow the sled in one direction at top speed—just over 11 knots—while a destroyer steamed in the opposite direction at something close to top speed—something close to 30 knots—creating a relative closing speed of about 40 knots. On the first two nights, the destroyers illuminated the tow with their star shells, locked the turrets on the two, but did not fire. On several occasions, the star shells illuminated Tillamook. On the third night, a destroyer commenced a live exercise, but also placed the star shells over Tillamook rather than over the tow. Shortly thereafter, the crew on the Tillamook heard the destroyer radioman announced "Shot, out"—it was on the way. A few second later, a salvo of AA Common shattered about 50-100 yards short of Tillamook—and then "Shot, out" again—before the crew could react, a second salvo was on the way that landed about 50-100 yards long. Although the salvos missed, shrapnel hit the side of Tillmook, and the crew collected them in a box and gave them to the destroyer as a present the following day while delivering the mail to the fleet.
 
In February 1965, she assisted the disabled United States Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Chautauqua (WPG-41) into Yokosuka for repairs. The Chatautua was at Ocean Station Victor, approximately 1100 miles east of Yokosuka and was adrift, having lost its main bearing. Tillamook had been providing gunnery sled services, and had her lightweight 1" wire on the towing reel. Rather than take the time to replace the lightweight wire with the standard 2" towing wire, the skipper left immediately leaving the liberty section ashore. Because of the lightweight wire, Tillmook was unable to use full power and it was a long slog back to Yokosuka into a gale. During one 24-hour period, Tillamook actually averaged negative nautical miles for the day.
 
In April 1965, she was assigned to the "Market Time" operation along the coast of Vietnam, that was designed to interdict enemy infiltration and coastwise logistics operations. A South Vietnamese Navy patrol boat, RVNS PC-04, had caught an enemy "trawler" unloading weapons at Vung Ro, South Vietnam and there was growing concern with enemy coastal traffic. In July 1965, Tillamook entered Vung Ro about midnight based on reports from her Vietnamese liaison that a RVN outpost had been captured by the VC, the idea being to use Tillmook's 3 inch 50 single gun to attack the outpost. After slinking quietly in the cove, the Captain ordered the First Lieutenant to anchor, whereupon the First lieutenant opened the wrong pelican hook, sending the spare anchor splashing into the sea. With that, Tillamoook departed the cove without firing.
 
In August 1965, she resumed operations towing district and landing craft between various East Asian bases and did not return to Vietnamese waters until December 1965 when she towed the large covered lighter USS YFNB-2 and the floating workshop USS YR-71 from Subic Bay to Danang. She visited South Vietnam again in January 1966 when she towed a barge into Camranh Bay.
 
After another period of towing operations outside the combat zone, Tillamook rejoined the American naval forces in Vietnam in August 1966. She provided gunfire support for forces operating on the Long Tau branch of the Saigon River.
 
In December 1966, while attempting to retrieve a drifting barge, four of Tillamook's crew became separated from the ship. In the night, the barge drifted ashore, and Tillamook provided covering fire through the night to protect the four sailors from nearby enemy troops. The following morning, a small landing craft rescued the men. Tillamook returned to Subic Bay soon thereafter.
 
While at Subic Bay, Tillamook answered a call for a rescue mission with only the duty section embarked. The call came in around 2200 hours one evening, and she got underway immediately to rendezvous with the merchant ship SS Enid Victory, which was unable to return to port because of a damaged engine. Tillamook brought Enid Victory safely back to Subic Bay.
 
During 1967, Tillamook made three short visits to South Vietnam—one to Vung Tau in mid-March, another to Danang in late June, and the third to Vung Tau again early in December. However, she spent most of 1967 occupied with routine operations in Japanese and Philippine waters.
 
Tillamook also spent 1968 in much the same way, though highlighted by a visit to Danang in January, to Singapore and to Danang in June, and to Danang in September.
 
In 1969 and 1970, Tillamook made only four brief stops in Vietnam, at either Vung Tau or Danang. Her routine of tows between Japan and the Philippines was broken only by an escort mission to Keelung, Taiwan, in mid-September 1970.

 

USS ATA-192 earned one battle star for World War II service and as USS Tillamook (ATA-192) earned the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with nine campaign stars for Vietnam War service

 

ATA 192 USS TILLAMOOK 001.jpg

 

ATA 192 USS TILLAMOOK 002.jpg

 

ATA 192 USS TILLAMOOK 003a.jpg

 

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Salvage Sailor

USS GRAPPLE (ARS-7) 3rd of the Diver class salvage ships built by Basalt Rock company in Napa California. In service 1943 to 1977

 

ARS 7 USS GRAPPLE 002.jpg

 

7 1/2" jacket patch & 1960's ceramic plaque

 

ARS 7 USS GRAPPLE 001.jpg

 

USS GRAPPLE (ARS-7) 3rd of the Diver class salvage ships built by Basalt Rock company in Napa California. In service 1943 to 1977.  She was a three war Salvage ship with extensive combat service - USS Grapple earned the Navy Unit Commendation for service in Salvage, Fire Fighting, and Rescue Unit, Service Force, 7th Fleet - Philippine Islands area, 6 January to 15 February 1945, and three battle stars for World War II service, one battle star for Korean War service and five campaign stars for Vietnam War service

 

ARS 7 USS GRAPPLE 003.jpg

 

ARS 7 USS GRAPPLE 004a.jpg

 

Both GRAPPLE (ARS-7) and GRASP (ARS-24) were Pacific Fleet Salvage vessels assigned to SERVGRU/SERVRON FIVE throughout the 1950's to 1970's.  I attended her decommissioning ceremony at Alpha Docks, Pearl Harbor where she was turned over to the Taiwanese Navy. My ship, GRASP (ARS-24) was also decommissioned there the following March and turned over to the South Korean Navy.

 

ARS 7 USS GRAPPLE 001a.jpg

 

Grapple Diving patch and Grasp Diving patch sewed onto my USN work jacket.

Same 1st Class Diver design as used on many other Salvage related patches.

 

ARS 24 USS GRASP 003.jpg

 

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Salvage Sailor
On 12/15/2017 at 9:43 PM, Salvage Sailor said:

USS PENGUIN (ASR-12) Penguin class leader Submarine Rescue ship in service 1944 to 1970

 

Initially laid down as USS Chetco (ATF-99) Fleet Tug

 

USS PENGUIN (ASR-12) Penguin class leader Submarine Rescue ship in service 1944 to 1970. Initially laid down as USS Chetco (ATF-99) Fleet Tug

 

ASR 12 USS PENGUIN 006.jpg

 

Korean Era White Version, very difficult to find. Recommissioned 3 April 1952 for duty with the Atlantic Fleet’s Submarine Forces, homeport Key West, Florida.

 

ASR 12 USS PENGUIN 007.jpg

 

Korean Era White Version and Japanese made color version

 

ASR 12 USS PENGUIN 008.jpg

 

ASR 12 USS PENGUIN 009.jpg

 

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Salvage Sailor
On 4/26/2017 at 5:19 PM, Bearmon said:

The last two from same group A diving patch of some sort

attachicon.gifuss 005 (2).jpg

 

 

And a USS Chanticleer ASR 7 I guess his/her name was Parker

attachicon.gifuss 005.jpg

 

 

Bearmon,

 

Your unidentified patch is the same design as this one from the USS HANCOCK (CVA-19) Reef Raider Skin Diving Club

 

CVA 19 USS HANCOCK Reef Raider Skin Diver Club 001.jpg

 

CVA 19 USS HANCOCK Reef Raider Skin Diver Club 002.jpg

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Salvage Sailor

Aloha Firefighter,

 

That may be a knock off made by 'the usual suspects'. Also note that it's mispelled, CATAWSA rather than CATAWBA. I may have an original around here somewhere to compare.

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