Reclaimer (ARS-42): A Legacy of Naval Salvage and Intelligence
The Reclaimer (ARS-42) was a versatile salvage and rescue ship that served the United States Navy for nearly five decades. From the atomic testing grounds of the 1940s to the clandestine intelligence missions of the Cold War, the Reclaimer proved indispensable in maintaining naval readiness and recovering distressed vessels across the Pacific.
Built by the Basalt Rock Company in Napa, California, the ship was laid down on November 10, 1944, and commissioned on December 20, 1945. Its early career was marked by high-stakes environments, including its role in Operation Crossroads—the atomic tests at Bikini Atoll—where it served as a salvage vessel and endured radiological contamination before receiving clearance in January 1947.
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Key Facts
- Commissioned: December 20, 1945.
- Primary Role: Salvage and rescue (ARS).
- Major Conflicts: Korean War and Vietnam War.
- Special Operations: Operation Crossroads, Operation Castle, Operation Dominic, and Operation Pony Express.
- Final Disposition: Dismantled in Brownsville, Texas, on October 14, 2011.
Service During the Korean War
Recommissioned on December 1, 1950, the Reclaimer was deployed to the WestPac (Western Pacific) region to support UN forces during the Korean War. The ship became a workhorse for salvage and towing, performing critical rescues in treacherous waters.
Notable Korean War Missions
- SS Muhlenberg Victory: Re-floated the grounded ship at Uku Shima in May 1951.
- RFA Maine: Towed the Royal Navy's only supporting hospital ship through the narrow Shimonoseki Straits after it lost a propeller.
- Rescue Operations: Salvaged the Japanese LST Q 081 at Kangnung and rescued two LSTs aground in heavy seas at Sokeho Hang.
- Typhoon Rescue: Successfully towed the foundering SS Gulf Haven to safety in Japan.
Cold War Operations and Vietnam
Throughout the 1950s and 60s, the Reclaimer transitioned between routine salvage and support for nuclear testing. It participated in Operation Castle (hydrogen bomb tests) and Operation Dominic, where it laid target moors and rafts.
During the Vietnam War, the ship was heavily involved in Operation Market Time, a coastal interdiction effort. It performed high-profile salvage operations, including the recovery of the USNS Card, which had been damaged by Viet Cong mines in Saigon Harbor, and the salvage of the Esso tanker SS Sea Raven off Chu Lai.
In a more unusual assignment, the Reclaimer was tasked with the deep-sea disposal of radioactive waste, dumping concrete-filled steel barrels approximately 400 miles southwest of Pearl Harbor.
Intelligence Missions and Final Years
In the late 1980s, after being refurbished by the Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity at Pearl Harbor (SIMAPH), the Reclaimer took on a clandestine role. Under the code name "Pony Express," the ship conducted overt intelligence collection against Russian naval auxiliary ships.
The mission involved the photographic and electronic intercept of Russian ICBM warheads during their atmospheric re-entry phase. The Reclaimer also monitored Russian intelligence collection ships (AGIs) operating near the Hawaiian Islands.
Decommissioning and Disposal
The Reclaimer was decommissioned and struck from the Naval Register on September 16, 1994. After spending years in the National Defense Reserve Fleet at Suisun Bay, it was transferred for SINKEX (Sinking Exercise) preparation before ultimately being sold for scrap. The ship was completely dismantled in Brownsville, Texas, in October 2011.
Service Summary Table
| Era/Operation | Primary Activity | Key Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1946-1947 | Atomic Test Salvage (Operation Crossroads) | Bikini Atoll |
| 1950-1953 | Korean War Salvage & Towing | Japan / Korea |
| 1954-1962 | Nuclear Tests (Castle & Dominic) | Marshall Islands / Christmas Island |
| 1964-1970 | Vietnam War Support (Market Time) | South Vietnam / South China Sea |
| 1985 | Intelligence Collection (Pony Express) | Pacific Broad Ocean Area |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary purpose of the Reclaimer (ARS-42)?
The Reclaimer was a salvage and rescue ship designed to re-float grounded vessels, tow disabled ships, and provide support for naval operations, including nuclear testing and intelligence gathering.
What was Operation Pony Express?
Operation Pony Express was a clandestine mission in 1985 where the Reclaimer collected photographic and electronic intelligence on Russian ICBM warhead re-entry telemetry in the Pacific.
Did the Reclaimer serve in the Vietnam War?
Yes, the ship participated in Operation Market Time and performed several major salvage operations in South Vietnam, including the recovery of the USNS Card and the SS Sea Raven.
How was the ship eventually disposed of?
After being decommissioned in 1994 and held in the Reserve Fleet, the ship was sold to Marine Metals of Brownsville, Texas, and was completely dismantled by October 14, 2011.
What was the ship's role in nuclear testing?
The Reclaimer provided salvage support and laid target moors and rafts for three major nuclear test series: Operation Crossroads, Operation Castle, and Operation Dominic.