Submarine tender

A submarine tender is a type of ship that supplies and supports submarines.

Related Topics:
Ship - Submarine

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Submarines are relatively small compared to most oceangoing vessels, and generally do not have the ability to carry large amounts of food, fuel, torpedoes, and other supplies, nor to carry a full array of maintenance equipment and personnel. The tender carries all these, and periodically meets up with a submarine at sea to replenish it.

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With the increased size and automation of modern submarines, plus their reliance on nuclear power, tenders are no longer as necessary as they once were.

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In the United States Navy, submarine tenders are considered auxiliaries, with hull classification symbol "AS". As of 2004, the Navy only maintains two such tenders, Emory S. Land (AS-39) and Frank Cable (AS-40).

Related Topics:
United States Navy - Hull classification symbol - As of 2004 - ''Emory S. Land'' (AS-39) - ''Frank Cable'' (AS-40)

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