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NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive

Patches Contributed by Mike Smolinski

Contributed by Al Grazevich

USS Nereus (AS-17)

International Radio Call Sign:
November - Uniform - Foxtrot - Juliet NUFJ

Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons

Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row - American Campaign Medal - Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
Bottom Row - World War II Victory Medal - Navy Occupation Service Medal (with Asia clasp) - National Defense Service Medal (2)

Fulton Class Submarine Tender:

Laid down, 12 October 1943, at Mare Island Navy Yard, Vallejo, CA.

Launched, 12 February 1945

Commissioned USS Nereus (AS-17), 27 October 1945, CAPT. L. D. Follmer in command

During World War II USS Nereus was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater

Following World War II USS Nereus was assigned to Occupation service in the Far East from 6 January to 7 April 1946

Decommissioned and struck from the Naval Register , 27 October 1971

Laid up in the Pacific Reserve Fleet, Mare Island Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility

Transfer to the Maritime Administration (MARAD), 26 April 1993, for lay up in the National Defense Reserve Fleet, Suisun Bay, Benecia, CA.

Title passed to MARAD, 7 May 1993

Cleared for disposal, 25 February 2007

Final Disposition, sale for scrapping, 17 July 2012, to ESCO Marine, Brownsville, TX., arrived at Brownsville, 8 September 2012

Specifications:
Displacement 9,734 t.(lt) 15,034 t. (fl)
Length 529' 6"
Beam 73' 4"
Draft 23' 6"
Speed 15.4 kts.

Complement

Officers 72

Enlisted 1470

Largest Boom Capacity 20 t.

Armament

four single 5"/38 gun mounts

two twin 40mm AA gun mounts

twelve single 20mm AA gun mounts

Fuel Capacity

Diesel 26,560 Bbls

Propulsion

General Motors 16-248 Diesel electric engines

single Fairbanks Morse Main Reduction Gears
Ship's Service Generators
three Diesel-drive 500Kw 450V A.C.
one Diesel-drive 200Kw 450V A.C.

twin propellers, 11,200shp

Click On Image For Full Size Image	Size	Image Description	Contributed By /Source
09021008	176k	*Namesake* Nereus - In Greek religion, sea god called by Homer “Old Man of the Sea,” noted for his wisdom, gift of prophecy, and ability to change his shape. He was the son of Pontus, a personification of the sea, and Gaea, the Earth goddess. The Nereids (water nymphs) were his daughters by the Oceanid Doris, and he lived with them in the depths of the sea, particularly the Aegean. Aphrodite, the goddess of love, was his pupil. The Greek hero Heracles, in his quest for the golden apples of the Hesperides, obtained directions from Nereus by wrestling with him in his many forms. Nereus frequently appears in vase paintings as a dignified spectator.(Britannica) Nereus struggling with Heracles, detail from a Greek water jar found at Vulci, c. 490 bc; in the British Museum (Courtesy of the trustees of the British Museum)	Tommy Trampp
	143k	Nereus (AS-17) keel laying ceremony at Mare Island Navy Yard, 12 October 1943. Vallejo Naval and History Museum File Name AS 17 7064-10-43, US Navy Photo, 10/12/43 now in the collections of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum	Darryl Baker
	264k	Honorary keel layers of Nereus (AS 17) at Mare Island Navy Yard, 12 October 1943. Left to right are: Eddie Martinez, Master Rigger; Paul Wurdig, Hospital Master; Guy Peabody, Master Shop 94; Ernie Pozzi, Master Painter & John Leonard, Print Shop Master. Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum File Name AS 17 7069-10-43, US Navy Photo, 10/12/43 now in the collections of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
AS 17 4137-44	323k	Nereus (AS-17) under construction at Mare Island Navy Yard: File name: AS 17 4137-44, US Navy, 7/2/44 - Bow view of the Nereus (AS 17) on the ways at Mare Island, 2 July 1944 File name: AS 17 4138-44, US Navy, 7/2/44 - Stern view of the Nereus (AS 17) on the ways at Mare Island, 2 July1944 File name: AS 17 152-45, US Navy, 1/2/45 - Stern view of the Nereus (AS 17) on the ways at Mare Island, 2 January 1945	Darryl Baker
AS 17 4138-44	420k
AS 17 152-45	485k
	305k	Women shipfitters working on board Nereus (AS-17) as they near completion of the deck in a part of the engine room. Left to right are Shipfitters Betty Pierce, Lola Thomas, Margaret Houston Thelma Mort and Katie Stanfill. US Navy Yard, Mare Island, CA., circa 1943. National Archives Identifier (NAID) 296892.	Robert Hurst
	147k	Nereus (AS-17) christening ceremony at Mare Island Navy Yard, Vallejo, CA. , 12 February 1945. US Navy Yard photo # AS 17 1041-42	Darryl Baker
09361786	421k	Nereus (AS-17) being prepared for launching at Mare Island Navy Yard, Vallejo, CA., 12 February 1945. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command. Photo # NH 105412-KN	Robert Hurst
	126k	Nereus (AS-17) christening ceremony - Mrs. A.M. Hurst christens the ship, 12 February 1945 at Mare Island Navy Yard, Vallejo, CA. From left to right; RADM Mahlon S. Tisdale (Shipyard Commandant); Mrs. A. M. Hurst (Sponsor), Capt. A. M. Hurst; and Mrs. Styer US Navy Yard photo # AS 17 106X-42	Darryl Baker
	390k	Nereus (AS-17) launching, 12 February 1945, at Mare Island Navy Yard, Vallejo, CA.	Ron Reeves
	76k	Nereus (AS-17) immediately after launching at Mare Island Navy Yard, Vallejo, CA., 12 February 1945. US Navy Yard photo # AS 17 1084-42	Darryl Baker
	26k	Nereus (AS-17) launching pass, 12 February 1945.	Tommy Trampp
AS 17 4137-44	323k	Nereus (AS-17) at her fitting out berth at Mare Island Navy Yard: File name: AS 17 5082-45, US Navy, 7/1/45 - Stern view Nereus, 1 July 1945 File name: AS 17 6763-45, US Navy, 10/1945 - Bridge view, 19 October 1945.	Darryl Baker
AS 17 6763-45	267k		Darryl Baker
	99k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** off Mare Island Navy Yard, Vallejo, CA., 6 November 1945. US Navy Yard photo # AS 17 6993-45	Darryl Baker
	31k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** under way, date and location unknown. US Navy photo	.
	61k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** under way, date and location unknown.	Hyperwar US Navy in WWII
	70k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** under way, date and location unknown.	Hyperwar US Navy in WWII
MINY photo # 2018-47	84k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** undocking from Dry Dock #2 at Naval Shipyard Mare Island, Vallejo, CA. on Navy Day, 27 October 1947. Mare Island Navy Yard photo # 2018-47 and Mare Island Navy Yard photo # 2021-47.	Darryl Baker
MINY photo # 2021-47	86k		Darryl Baker
AS17 2367-47 12/2/47	425k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** at Mare Island Navy Yard, 2 December 1947. File name: AS17 2367=47, US Navy, 12/2/47 - Forward 5" guns and File name: AS 17 2369-47, US Navy, 12/2/47 - Stern view	Darryl Baker
AS17 2369=47 12/2/47	325k		Darryl Baker
AS 17 2376-47 12/3/47	238k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** at Mare Island Navy Yard, 3 December 1947. File name: AS17 2376-47 12/3/47 - turning at Mare Island in preparation of going to sea. and File name: AS 17 2378-47 12/3/47 - departing Mare Island with the assistance of Pocahontas (YTB-266).	Darryl Baker
AS 17 2378-47 12/3/47	266k		Darryl Baker
	110k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** off Naval Shipyard Mare Island, Vallejo, CA., 3 December 1947. US Navy photo from the collections of the US Naval History and Heritage Command.	Robert Hurst
City of Vancouver Archives Photo No. AM1506-S3-3-: CVA 447-7124.1 by Walter E. Frost	738k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** entering the Port of Vancouver BC passing under the Lions Gate Bridge, 30 August 1947. City of Vancouver Archives Photo No. AM1506-S3-3-: CVA 447-7124 and City of Vancouver Archives Photo No. AM1506-S3-3-: CVA 447-7124.1 by Walter E. Frost	Mike Green
City of Vancouver Archives Photo No. AM1506-S3-3-: CVA 447-7124 by Walter E. Frost	738k		Mike Green
AS 17 625-4-48 4/20/48	239k	Views of the Mare Island built model of *USS Nereus* (AS-17)**, 20 April 20, 1948. Model makers are from left to right: G. Kolar, P. Kirgen, A. Howaway, J. Kurtz, E. Schauman, E. Greenwell and H. E. Williams. File name: AS 17 625-4-48. US Navy, 4/20/48 - Broadside view File name: AS 17 627-4-48, US Navy, 4/20/48 - Bow view File name: AS 17 643-4-48, US Navy, 4/20/48 - Stern view	Darryl Baker
AS 17 627-4-48 4/20/48	193k
AS 17 643-4-48 4/20/48	287k
	2237k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** underway, circa late-1940s, location unknown. US Navy photo.	David Buell
09361783	512k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** underway, date and location unknown.	Nicholas Tiberio
09361784	386k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** moored in the harbor at San Diego, CA. with five submarines alongside, date unknown. © George Barber	Nicholas Tiberio
09361785	252k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** moored in the harbor at San Diego, CA., with submarines alongside with Christmas lights, date unknown.	Nicholas Tiberio
	124k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17) with three boats alongside; USS Balao (SS-285), USS Charr (SS-328) and USS Chivo (SS-341)**, probably around 1952, at San Diego. US Navy photo.	Tommy Trampp
	135k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17) with nine submarines alongside; USS Tunny (SSG-282)*, USS Cusk* (SS-348), USS Carbonero (SSG-337), USS Tilefish (SS-307), USS Spinax (SSR-489), USS Rock (SSR-274), USS Remora (SS-487), USS Catfish (SS-339), USS Volador (SS-490) and the Submarine Rescue Vessel USS Florikan (ASR 9) moored alongside at San Diego for *Subron Five's Change of Command, date unknown. US Navy photo from "All Hands"* magazine, November 1955.	Joe Radigan MACM USN Ret.
0836017u	401k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17) in a two point moor off Ballast Point at Point Loma, San Diego. Early 1960's. Submarines alongside include the USS Perch (ASSP-313), which is the outboard boat. The inboard boat is one of the former radar-picket submarines (SSR), USS Rasher (AGSS-269), USS Raton (AGSS-270), or USS Rock (AGSS-274). This picture was taken after Perch lost her cylindrical hangar from the after deck, and after the SSR's lost their radars in the late 1950's. The inboard boat is considerably longer than Perch**, and has an extended sail, both indicators of a former SSR. The radar's proved quite troublesome in service and the concept of the submarine radar-picket died once AEW aircraft on carriers entered service.	Text courtesy of Dave Johnston (USNR) USN photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
	79k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** under way in San Francisco Bay in 1958. Photo ©Allied Photographers of San Francisco.	Robert M. Cieri
	71k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17) and USS Sperry (AS-12)** moored to buoys at San Diego, with submarines alongside date unknown. US Navy photo from "All Hands" magazine, April 1958.	Joe Radigan MACM USN Ret.
09361701	184k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17) moored in harbor (probably San Diego) with submarines alongside. The inboard four submarines are (from left to right): USS Remora (SS-487), USS Catfish (SS-339), USS Diodon (SS-349) and USS Aspro (SS-309)*. This photograph accompanied a press release, dated 13 February 1959, announcing plans for Nereus to visit San Francisco, CA., beginning 20 February 1959. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command. Photo # NH 107763*	Robert Hurst
	164k	23 December 1959 "Navy Times" article describing conversion of *USS Nereus* (AS-17)** to an "A sub tender" , at Long Beach Naval Shipyard.	Ron Reeves
	36k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** under way, circa 1960, location unknown. Official US Navy photo.	Robert Hurst
	151k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** under way in 1961, location unknown. Official US Navy photo from 1966/67 edition of "Jane's Fighting Ships".	Robert Hurst
	285k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** arrives at the figure piers Mare Island with the assistance of Dekaury (YTB-178) and a second tug, 24 January 1962. US Navy photos courtesy Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum File names : AS 17 536X9-1-62 TH	Darryl Baker
	283k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17) arrived at Mare Island, 24 January 1962. She was transporting dependents, 15 tons of luggage and 58 cars of the crew of the USS Swordfish (SSN-579). Swordfish** was at Mare Island for overhaul. US Navy photos courtesy Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum File names : AS 17 536X5-1-62	Darryl Baker
	110k	RADM L. V. Honsinger (Commander, Mare Island Naval Shipyard) welcomes Capt. R. B. Satterford (CO), *USS Nereus* (AS-17) to the shipyard on 24 January 1962. The Nereus was delivering the dependents and property of the crew of USS Swordfish (SSN-579)**. US Navy photo courtesy Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum File name: AS 17 536X5-1-62	Darryl Baker
	96k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** moored to a buoy in the harbor at San Diego, CA., while tending submarines, circa 1965.	Tommy Trampp
	154k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** under way, 1966, location unknown. US Navy photo # KN-12997.	Scott Koen
	135k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** under way off the California coast near San Diego, 31 January 1966. The after two 5"/38 gun mounts have been removed and the superstructure extended to the stern.US Navy photo # KN-12996 from the collections of the US Naval History and Heritage Command.	Robert Hurst
	91k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17) moored to a buoy with USS Shields (DD-596)** alongside in 1966, location unknown. US Navy photo from "All Hands" magazine, June 1966.	Joe Radigan MACM USN Ret.
	391k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17) and USS Sperry (AS-12)** moored at Naval Base Point Loma, circa 1970s.	Ron Reeves
	344k		Ron Reeves
	159k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** Commanding Officer, CDR C. Douglas Fletcher, USN, gives the order to haul down aboard Nereus (AS 17) during her decommissioning at Mare Island. 27 October 1971. From left to right: CDR C. Douglas Fletcher, Capt. Louis T. J. Urbanczyk (Commodore, Sub Squadron 5) and Capt. Frank C. Knock (Production Officer).	Darryl Baker
	91k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** jack being lowered during her decommissioning ceremony at Mare Island on 27 Oct 1971.	Darryl Baker
	53k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** Mare Island plank-owners pictured during her decommissioning at the shipyard, 27 Oct 1971. From left to right: Capt. F. C. Knock (Production Officer), CDR C. D. Fletcher (Last CO of Nereus), Ray Denny, William Gonyer, Ray Ramos, Jack Groo, William Sweigart, Barney Kelly, LCDR H. L. Banres and Cruz Pangelinan.	Darryl Baker
	65k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** ship's plaque	Tommy Trampp
	142k	*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** ship's plaque.	John Barrett
	54k	Ex-*USS Nereus* (AS-17) surrounded by tugs as she is being moved through the Mare Island Naval Shipyard causeway to the Reserve Fleet, 11 December 1971. Tugs assisting include YTL-431.** US Navy Yard photo # AS 17 10800-12-71	Darryl Baker
	65k	Ex-*USS Nereus* (AS-17) squeezing through the Mare Island causeway on her way to the Pacific Reserve Fleet, 11 December 1971. The USS Pampanito (SS-383) is the submarine in the photo to the right. The shipyard dredge is forward of the Pampanito**	Darryl Baker
	85k	Ships moored at Mare Island Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility, 23 May 1972. include *APL-3* in the foreground and ex-*USS Nereus* (AS-17) and ex-USS Markab (AR-23)** in the background. Photo from "Warship Boneyards" by Kit and Carolyn Bonner, (Courtesy L. Cote).	Robert Hurst
	306k	Ex-*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** moored in the Maritime Administrations National Defense Reserve Fleet, Suisun Bay, Benecia, CA., circa 1993. US Maritime Administration photos.	Ron Reeves
	189k		Ron Reeves
	154k	Ex-*USS Nereus* (AS-17)** at the former Mare Island Naval Shipyard for bottom cleaning and preparation for towing to a scrapping yard, circa August 2012	Photo by Mike McCullough

For more photos and information about USS Nereus, see;
Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships
MARAD Vessel Database
Submarine Tenders of the United States Navy
Interior Images

Change of Command program, 13 July 1971

Suisun Reserve Fleet photos by Michael McDermott

Commanding Officers
01	CAPT. Follmer, Lloyd Dallas, USN (USNA 1922)	27 October 1945 - 24 June 1946
02	CAPT. Dodge, Harry Benjamin, USN (USNA 1930)	24 June 1946 - 6 October 1947
03	CAPT. Lynch Jr., Ralph Clinton, USN (USNA 1929) :RADM	6 October 1947 - 18 June 1949
04	CAPT. Sands, Eugene Thomas, USN (USNA 1930)	18 June 1949 - 25 January 1951
05	CAPT. Wheland, Karl Raymond, USN (USNA 1931)	25 January 1951 - 3 July 1952
06	CAPT. Styles, Ralph Emerson, USN (USNA 1933)	3 July 1952 - 11 July 1953
07	CAPT. Nauman, Harley Kent (Ken), USN (USNA 1934)	11 July 1953 - 21 August 1954
08	CAPT. Dornin, Robert Edson (Dreep), USN (USNA 1935)	21 August 1954 - 20 July 1955
09	CAPT. Parham, William Brownlee, USN (USNA 1936)	20 July 1955 - 20 August 1957
10	CAPT. Schmidt, John Sneed, USN (USNA 1937)	20 August 1957 - 24 July 1958
11	CAPT. Fitz-Patrick, Joseph Paul USN (USNA 1938)	24 July 1958 - 6 August 1959
12	CAPT. Haines, John Lyman, USN (USNA 1938)	6 August 1959 - 20 August 1960
13	CAPT. McGuinness, Walter Arthur, USN (USNA 1939)	20 August 1960 - 10 June 1961
14	CAPT. Satterford, Robert Blake, USN	10 June 1961 - 3 March 1962
15	CAPT. Ford, James Allen, USN	3 March 1962 - 16 March 1963
16	CAPT. Garvey, Richard Scott	16 March 1963 - 11 April 1964
17	CAPT. Des Granges, Maino, USN (USNA 1942)	11 April 1964 - 17 July 1965
18	CAPT. Grossetta Jr,, Warren Arthur (Moose)	17 July 1965 - 20 August 1966
19	CDR. Franz, Edward Dietrick	20 August 1966 - 8 July 1967
20	CAPT. Searles, Philip Nelson (MMA 1943)	8 July 1967 - 13 February 1969
21	CAPT. Cuddy, Thomas William, USN (USNA 1948-B)	13 February 1969 - 2 September 1970
22	CAPT. Dickieson, Robert Whyte, USN (USNA 1948)	2 September 1970 - 13 July 1971
23	CDR. Fletcher, Charles Douglass, USN (USNA 1951)	13 July 1971 - 27 October 1971


Courtesy Wolfgang Hechler and Ron Reeves

Crew Contact And Reunion Information
U.S.Navy Memorial Foundation

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Last Updated 19 May 2023