The Emory Land class is designed and fitted to accommodate attack submarines, furnishing maintenance and logistic support.
Submarine tenders are the largest of the active auxiliaries.
Their crews are made up mostly technicians and repair personnel. The ships provides food, electricity, water, consumable, spare parts, medical, dental, disbursing, mail, legal services, ordnance, and any parts or equipment repair that the submarine may require. To accomplish this, the ships have a physical plant similar to that of a small town, including 53 different specialized shops. The ships are a mobile support facility with the capability of tending 12 nuclear-powered submarines simultaneously. Various services are available to all submarines moored alongside including steam, diesel fuel, water, and electricity.