MV Dolores Chouest

The MV Dolores Chouest is a specifically built surrogate ship, to DSV Alvin class submersibles and other military rescue ships. She provides surface support for special warfare exercise missions, submarine sea trials/deep dives, mine recovery operations (inert mines only) and unmanned vehicle operations and mother ship support for submarine rescue chamber operations. The contract was valued at $19.9 million for four years if all options are exercised. The Dolores Chouest is based in Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story, Virginia to help support emergency roles in the Atlantic ocean. These ships serve emergency needs in the case that a submarine experiences catastrophic failure while underway. These ships are also used for scientific surveys and have been used in various salvage operations. The Dolores Chouest can support all the submersibles and divers while other cargo craft are nearby to transfer raised goods.

The US Navy 21-ton Deep Submergence Vehicle Turtle (DSV-3), Submarine Development Squadron 5 is prepared for hoisting from the deck of the Military Sealift Command's Submarine Support Vessel MV Dolores Chouest at Naval Air Station North Island, California.

History
United States
Name	MV Dolores Chouest
Namesake	Mrs. Dolores Chouest, wife of ECO founder, Mr. Edison Chouest, Sr.
Operator	Military Sealift Command
Ordered	June 2000
Builder	North American Shipbuilding, Larouse, Louisiana
Launched	28 November 2006
In service	15 February 2007
Homeport	Little Creek, Virginia
Identification	IMO number: 8225931 MMSI number: 338678000 Callsign: WCP8847
Status	Active
General characteristics
Class and type	Submarine and Special Warfare Support Vessels
Displacement	1500 long tons
Length	240 ft (73 m)
Beam	40 ft (12 m)
Draft	12 ft (3.7 m)
Propulsion	Diesel
Speed	12 knots
Complement	32 military/sponsor personnel
Armament	none