USS Hoist (ARS-40)

USS Hoist (ARS-40) was a "Bolster" class rescue and salvage ship acquired by the U.S. Navy during World War II. Her task was to come to the aid of stricken vessels.

"Hoist" was launched 31 March 1945 by Basalt Rock Corp., Napa, California; sponsored by Mrs. William E. Howard; and commissioned 21 July 1945, Lt. Comdr. R. M. Brunner in command.

End-of-World War II operations

After shakedown "Hoist" sailed from San Francisco, California, 6 September 1945 to begin salvage operations in the Far East.

Pacific Ocean operations

"Hoist" arrived at Buckner Bay, Okinawa, on 11 October and commenced salvage and repair duties until 23 December. Two days later she arrived at Wakanoura Wan and operated there, and at Sasebo until 15 March 1946.

North Atlantic operations

"Hoist" returned to San Pedro, California, 1 June and sailed for Norfolk, Virginia, 15 July. After overhaul she sailed to Bayonne, New Jersey, and trained students at the Naval Training Salvage School until 23 February. From March 1947 to December 1948, "Hoist" continued salvage operations along the East and Gulf coasts. She sailed 8 December for Narsak, Greenland, where she operated for 2 weeks before returning to Bayonne, New Jersey.

In mid-January 1949 she sailed for the Azores to repair an underwater pipeline, returning 16 March. "Hoist" sailed 23 March to tow targets for aircraft squadron exercises off Bermuda, helping maintain the high readiness of the fleet for service when needed, then sailed 9 May for the Virginia Capes for training operations. "Hoist" now based her operations out of Norfolk, Virginia, and on 9 August steamed to assist "Simon Newcomb" (AGSC-14) aground in Mother Burns Cove, Labrador. Towing the vessel to Argentia, Newfoundland, "Hoist" resumed her salvage and repair duties out of Norfolk, with annual deployments to the North Atlantic and periodic operations in the Caribbean and Florida waters, keeping the Navy in top fighting condition to preserve the peace throughout the world. In addition to her salvage and repair services she acted as station ship, performed towing operations, and engaged in amphibious exercises. From early 1960 through 1964, "Hoist" continued similar services, but concentrated on local salvage duties out of Norfolk and operations in Florida and the Caribbean.

Searching for the Thresher

From 29 May through 25 August 1964, "Hoist" operated with Trieste II at the site of the "Thresher" (SSN-593) tragedy. Next, performing one of her many rescues, "Hoist" along with "Seneca" (ATF-92) and "Windlass" (ARSD-4), freed "Bluejacket" (T-AF-51), which had grounded 2 March 1965. "Bluejacket" was pulled free in 2 days saving her perishable cargo of frozen stores valued at $2,000,000. From 11 October to 12 November "Hoist" was busy with towing operations when ordered to assist in the salvage of "Alamogordo" (ARDM-2), a floating drydock attached to the Polaris program. "Hoist" and "Recovery" (ARS-43) raised "Alamogordo" in 3 weeks. For the remainder of the year "Hoist" was active in local salvage duties.

Recovering an H-bomb off the Spanish coast

On 16 February 1966 "Hoist" arrived at Palomares, Spain, to take part in the recovery of an H-bomb. The unarmed weapon was dropped when a B-52 Stratofortress and KC-135 flying tanker collided. [Melson, June 1967, p.33] On 7 April after successful completion of the mission "Hoist" returned to Norfolk, where she arrived 4 May. "Hoist" performed salvage operations in the Virginia Capes area into 1967.

Decommissioning

Hoist was decommissioned and struck from the Naval Register, 30 September 1994. Her title was transferred to the Maritime Administration, 29 November 2001. She was laid up in the National Defense Reserve Fleet, James River Group, Lee Hall, Virginia. Final Disposition: "Hoist" was sold for scrapping, 17 July 2007, for $61,000 to North American Ship Recycling, Sparrows Point, Maryland.

After North American Recycling closed its doors, the Hoist was left abandoned. The vessel was acquired by Bay Bridge Enterprises of Chesapeake Virginia with the company being paid $95,000 for the disposal. The vessel was towed to their Chesapeake yard, arriving on December 1, 2007. [http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=137827&ran=62310]

Military awards and honors

The Navy record does not currently list battle stars for "Hoist". However, her crew was eligible for the following medals, ribbons, and commendations:
* Secretary of the Navy Letter of Commendation (3)
* Navy Unit Commendation (2)
* Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (2)
* Battle "E" Ribbon (5)
* Navy Expeditionary Medal (Cuba)
* American Campaign Medal
* Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
* World War II Victory Medal
* Navy Occupation Service Medal (with Asia clasp)
* National Defense Service Medal
* Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Cuba, 2-Lebanon)

Notes

References

*

See also

* 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/09/37/3740.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - ARS-40 Hoist]