USS Shackle (ARS-9)

USS Shackle (ARS-9) was an "Diver"-class rescue and salvage ship commissioned by the U.S. Navy for service in World War II. She was responsible for coming to the aid of stricken vessels.

"Shackle" (ARS-9) was laid down on 26 October 1942 by the Basalt Rock Co., Napa, California; launched on 1 April 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Walker Cochran; and commissioned on 5 February 1944, Lt. Charles G. Jenkins, Jr., in command.

World War II service

Following shakedown out of San Diego, California,, "Shackle" proceeded to Pearl Harbor. In May, she continued west to Midway Island where she cleared the entrance channel of the wreckage of "Macaw" (ARS-11). She then returned to Hawaii; and, in late November, took "ARD-2H" in tow and again headed west. Brief duties at Eniwetok, Guam, and Saipan followed; and, in late January 1945, she commenced preparations for the assault on Iwo Jima.

Okinawa operations

A unit of Task Force 51, she arrived in the Volcano Islands on 19 February and remained until 10 March. Having completed over 44 salvage and diving assignments, she then sailed for Ulithi to prepare for the Okinawa campaign. On 27 March, she departed the Carolines for the Ryukyus where, operating from Kerama Retto, she provided assistance to ships on the vulnerable screening stations in the Okinawa area and made repairs and pumped water from damaged ships in preparation for docking them. In May alone, she provided salvage and repair assistance to 21 ships, many of which were kamikaze victims.

Minesweeping the East China Sea

On 1 July, "Shackle" joined Task Group 39.11, a mine-sweeping group; and, during that month, as area "Juneau" in the East China Sea was swept, she combined salvage and mine disposal duties. At the end of the month, she returned to Buckner Bay, where, on 12 August, she witnessed the torpedoing of "Pennsylvania" (BB-38) and immediately commenced salvage work on the damaged battleship. Three days later, the war ended.

End-of-war activity

"Shackle" remained in the Buckner Bay area until 20 September. She then sailed for Tokyo Bay where, into November, she was employed in clearing the docking area at Yokosuka. On the 27th, she started back across the Pacific Ocean. Salvage duties interrupted her voyage at Wake Island. At the end of December, she arrived at Pearl Harbor; and, in. February 1946, continued on to the west coast.

Post-war decommissioning

She remained at San Diego, California, until ordered to San Francisco, California, where, on 29 June, she was decommissioned and transferred to the United States Coast Guard.

Current status

On 23 February 2007 "Acushnet" was designated as the "Oldest Commissioned Cutter" in the fleet and that she shall have gold hull numbers to show its distinction.

Military awards and honors

"Shackle" (ARS-9) earned three battle stars during World War II:
* Iwo Jima operation (Assault and occupation of Iwo Jima, 19 February to 10 March 1945)
* Okinawa Gunto operation (Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto, April to June 1945)
* Minesweeping Operations Pacific (Juneau (East China Sea) 1 to 31 July 1945)Her crew was eligible for the following medals:
* American Campaign Medal
* Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (3)
* World War II Victory Medal
* Navy Occupation Service Medal (with Asia clasp)

References

See also

* USCGC Acushnet (WMEC-167)

* List of United States Navy ships
* World War II

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/#Anchor-Editoria-14954 Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/37/3709.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - ARS-9 Shackle - WAT-167 / WAGO-167 / WMEC-167 Acushnet]