Service: U.S. Navy
DESCRIPTION: Rescue and salvage ships save battle damaged combat ships from further damage and tow them to safety.
FEATURES:
Rescue, salvage and towing ships provide rapid fire fighting, pumping, battle damage repair and rescue towing to warships in combat and tow them to repair ships or bases in safe areas.BACKGROUND:
The Navy has responsibility for salvaging U.S. government owned ships and, when it is in the best interests of the United States, privately owned vessels as well. Currently 13 rescue and salvage ships are in service. The newest of these, the Safeguard ARS-50 class, were commissioned in 1984 and 1985.
