USS Vulcan, James River Reserve Fleet, Newport News, Newport News, Virginia

Significance: The Vulcan is significant as the lead ship in the Vulcan class of repair ships, providing assistance to U.S. naval ships from ports close to the occupational areas of the Atlantic Fleet. The Vulcan participated in World War II, the occupation of Japan, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and various NATO exercises during its career. The ship is also notable for its participation as a test platform for the Women in Navy Ships (WINS) program and for helping the U.S. Navy transition toward integrating women in the fleet. The Vulcan's fifty years of service is a testament to the necessity of auxiliaries in the U.S. Navy.
Survey number: HAER VA-129
Building/structure dates: 1939-1941 Initial Construction
Building/structure dates: 1943 Subsequent Work
Building/structure dates: 1983 Subsequent Work
Building/structure dates: 2006 Demolished