USS Tidewater (AD-31)

• Commissioned Post-WWII: USS Tidewater (AD-31) was commissioned on February 19, 1946, just after the end of World War II, and served primarily as a destroyer tender. • Norfolk Homeport: Her homeport for much of her service was Norfolk, Virginia, where she provided vital maintenance and logistical support to the Atlantic Fleet's destroyers. • Cold War Service: USS Tidewater was an integral support vessel during the early years of the Cold War, ensuring U.S. naval readiness in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. • Mediterranean Deployments: She regularly deployed with the 6th Fleet, offering tender services to ships patrolling the Mediterranean Sea during tense periods of the Cold War. • Cuban Missile Crisis Support: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, Tidewater played a support role, helping to maintain the naval blockade ships. • Women at Sea: In 1972, USS Tidewater became one of the first U.S. Navy ships to embark female officers, marking a significant moment in Navy history. • Vietnam War Era: Although not deployed to Vietnam, Tidewater supported Atlantic Fleet ships that participated in the conflict by maintaining their operational readiness. • Modernization: She underwent several upgrades throughout her career, including improvements in her repair shops and living quarters to keep pace with advancing naval technology. • Transfer to Indonesia: After decommissioning in 1971, the ship was transferred to Indonesia in 1971, where she served as KRI Dumai (652) until 1984. • Decorations: USS Tidewater earned several awards, including the Navy Occupation Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal, reflecting her contributions during various military operations.