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Photography by Action Asia Photo
© 2002-2010 Action Asia Photo- All Rights Reserved

The Safeguard Class of Rescue/Salvage ships encompasses four vessels which have the following mission:
* de-beaching of stranded vessels
*heavy lifting from ocean depths
* towing of other vessels
* manned diving operations

ARS-50 USS Safeguard is the lead ship of the Rescue/Salvage class of vessels owned by the US Navy and is the only forward deployed ship (stationed at Sasebo, Japan). The ship was placed in service with the Military Sealift Command (MSC) as T-ARS-51 USNS Safeguard January 19th, 2006.

ARS-51 USS Grasp is the second ship in the class and operates in the Atlantic. Transferred to the Military Sealift Command on January 19, 2006, T-ARS-51 USNS Grasp subsequently underwent a shipyard period for conversion for operation by civilian mariners.

ARS-52 USS Salvor, stationed at Hawaii, was transferred to MSC January 12, 2007 as T-ARS-52 USNS Salvor and is now manned by a civilian crew and a USN detachment.

ARS-53 USS Grapple, last ship of the class also operates in the Atlantic having been transferred July 13, 2006 to MSC as T-ARS-53 USNS Grapple and is now operated by a civilian crew.

For rescue missions, Safeguard Class ships are equipped with three fire monitors forward and amidships that can deliver either aqueous film-forming foam or saltwater. The salvage holds of the ship are outfitted with portable equipment to effect assistance to vessels in de-watering, patching, the supply of electrical power, and many other essential services required to return a disabled ship to operating condition. Additionally, the ships carry the finest diver life support air system in the fleet.

The rugged construction of the steel-hulled vessels, combined with their speed and endurance, make the Safeguard Class well suited for the rescue and salvage operations of Naval and commercial shipping throughout the world.

The versatility of this class of ship adds immeasurably to the capabilities of the US Navy with the regards to rendering assistance to those in peril on the high seas.