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
NameMV Dolores Chouest
NamesakeMrs. Dolores Chouest, wife of ECO founder, Mr. Edison Chouest, Sr.
OperatorMilitary Sealift Command
OrderedJune 2000
BuilderNorth American Shipbuilding, Larouse, Louisiana
Launched28 November 2006
In service15 February 2007
HomeportLittle Creek, Virginia
Identification
StatusActive
General characteristics
Class and typeSubmarine and Special Warfare Support Vessels
Displacement1500 long tons
Length240 ft (73 m)
Beam40 ft (12 m)
Draft12 ft (3.7 m)
PropulsionDiesel
Speed12 knots
Complement32 military/sponsor personnel
Armamentnone

References


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