USS Howard W. Gilmore AS 16 – History of the U.S. Navy's Submarine Tender & Navy Decals

USS Howard W. Gilmore AS 16 – History, Service Record & Navy Decals

The USS Howard W. Gilmore (AS-16) was a submarine tender that served the United States Navy through World War II and the Cold War, providing comprehensive basing, repair, and support services to submarine squadrons. Named for one of the most heroic figures in the history of the United States submarine force — Commander Howard Walter Gilmore, the commanding officer of USS Growler (SS-215) and a recipient of the Medal of Honor for one of the most selfless acts of courage in the annals of American naval warfare.

On the night of February 7, 1943, Commander Gilmore conned USS Growler into a surface engagement with the Japanese armed merchant vessel Hayasaki in the Solomon Islands area. In the collision and ensuing gun battle, Gilmore was severely wounded on the bridge and unable to descend through the hatch to safety under his own power. With the Growler damaged and under threat of further attack, with his crew’s lives depending on an immediate dive, Commander Gilmore made his decision — he gave his last order: “Take her down.” The executive officer, Lieutenant Commander Arnold Schade, obeyed. Growler submerged with her captain still on the bridge. Howard Gilmore gave his life so that his ship and crew could survive. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, and USS Howard W. Gilmore was named in his eternal honor.

Keel, Launch & Commissioning

Howard W. Gilmore’s keel was laid down on October 19, 1942, at the Charleston Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Charleston, South Carolina. She was launched on September 16, 1943, and commissioned into the U.S. Navy on May 24, 1944, under hull designation AS-16.

Class & Design

USS Howard W. Gilmore was a submarine tender (AS) — a large, highly capable floating base designed to provide comprehensive maintenance, repair, supply, and support services to submarine squadrons at forward operating bases far from shore-based facilities. She carried crews of skilled machinists, torpedomen, electronics technicians, battery specialists, and other submarine maintenance professionals equipped with torpedo workshops, machine shops, battery maintenance facilities, and every other technical capability required to maintain and fully support a submarine squadron through continuous combat operations.

World War II Service

Commissioned in May 1944, USS Howard W. Gilmore deployed to the Pacific, joining the forward submarine support infrastructure during the final and most decisive phase of the Pacific submarine campaign against Japanese shipping. She provided basing, repair, torpedo loading, and comprehensive support services to Pacific Fleet submarines from advance bases as the campaign reached its peak intensity in 1944 and 1945.

Named for a man who gave his life for his submarine and crew, Howard W. Gilmore served the submarine force with a dedication that honored his memory — keeping the submarines battle-ready, turning them around quickly between patrols, and supporting the men who carried on the mission that Commander Gilmore gave his life defending. The Pacific submarine campaign sank over 1,300 Japanese merchant ships and contributed decisively to Japan’s defeat, and USS Howard W. Gilmore was part of the essential logistics foundation that made that campaign possible.

Cold War Service

Following World War II, USS Howard W. Gilmore continued her career as a submarine tender for the Atlantic Fleet through the Cold War. Homeported at Charleston, South Carolina — a fitting homeport given her construction there — she provided comprehensive basing, maintenance, and support services to Atlantic Fleet submarines through the Korean War era and into the Cold War’s most demanding decades, supporting the transition from the diesel-electric submarine force of World War II to the nuclear-powered submarines that became the backbone of American strategic deterrence.

Her support for the Atlantic Fleet submarine force during the Cold War — keeping submarines operational and ready through the intense demands of Cold War deterrence patrols, anti-submarine warfare operations, and strategic missile deployments — continued the tradition of essential service that was the hallmark of every submarine tender in the fleet.

Decommissioning

USS Howard W. Gilmore was decommissioned on December 19, 1980, after more than 36 years of commissioned service — a career spanning World War II, the Korean War, and more than three decades of Cold War service in the Atlantic Fleet.

Legacy

For the sailors and submarine specialists who served aboard Howard W. Gilmore — the machinists, torpedomen, electronics technicians, and submarine maintenance professionals who kept Atlantic Fleet submarines battle-ready through more than 36 years of World War II and Cold War service — she represents a career of essential dedication to the submarine force. Named for a man who embodied the highest ideals of naval sacrifice and courage, USS Howard W. Gilmore honored Commander Gilmore’s memory with every year of service, every submarine returned to patrol, every crew kept safe by the work done in her machine shops and torpedo rooms. Take her down — the last order of a man who gave everything for his shipmates — echoes through every year of her distinguished 36-year career.

Shop USS Howard W. Gilmore AS 16 Navy Gifts & Decals

Honor your service or give a meaningful gift to a USS Howard W. Gilmore veteran with our full line of USS Howard W. Gilmore AS 16 products:

• USS Howard W. Gilmore AS 16 Aluminum License Plate — Show your Navy pride on the road.
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• USS Howard W. Gilmore AS 16 Aluminum Street Sign Blue/White — A one-of-a-kind display piece for any veteran’s home.
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