USS Pigeon (ASR-6)

The USS Pigeon (ASR-6) was a United States Navy submarine rescue ship. She was the lead ship of her class, which included only one other vessel, the USS Ortolan (ASR-5). Pigeon's primary mission was to provide rescue and salvage services to submarines in distress, but she was also capable of conducting deep-sea diving operations and recovering objects from the ocean floor.

Commissioned in 1942, the Pigeon saw extensive service during World War II in the Pacific Theater, supporting submarine operations and participating in various salvage efforts. After the war, she continued to operate with the U.S. Pacific Fleet, participating in numerous exercises and deployments.

Throughout her career, the USS Pigeon was equipped with specialized equipment for submarine rescue, including McCann rescue chambers, diving bells, and specialized winches and handling gear for retrieving objects from the seabed. She played a crucial role in the development of submarine rescue techniques and technology.

Decommissioned in 1992, the USS Pigeon was eventually sold for scrap. However, her legacy remains as a pioneering vessel in the field of submarine rescue and salvage. Her service demonstrated the importance of dedicated vessels and specialized equipment for supporting submarine operations and ensuring the safety of submariners.