USS Hoist ( ARS - 40 ) USS " Hoist " ( ARS - 40 ) was a " Bolster " - class rescue and salvage ship acquired by the United States Navy during World War II . Her task was to come to the aid of stricken vessels . " Hoist " was launched 31 March 1945 by the Basalt Rock Company shipyard near Napa , California ; sponsored by Mrs . William E . Howard ; and commissioned 21 July 1945 , Lt . Cmdr . R . M . Brunner in command . End - of - World War II operations . After shakedown " Hoist " sailed from San Francisco , California , 6 September 1945 to begin salvage operations in the Far East . Pacific Ocean operations . " Hoist " arrived at Buckner Bay , Okinawa , on 11 October and commenced salvage and repair duties until 23 December . Two days later she arrived at Wakanoura Wan and operated there , and at Sasebo until 15 March 1946 . North Atlantic operations . " Hoist " returned to San Pedro , California , 1 June and sailed for Norfolk , Virginia , 15 July . After overhaul she sailed to Bayonne , New Jersey , and trained students at the Naval Training Salvage School until 23 February . From March 1947 to December 1948 , " Hoist " continued salvage operations along the East and Gulf coasts . She sailed 8 December for Narsak , Greenland , where she operated for two weeks before returning to Bayonne . In mid - January 1949 she sailed for the Azores to repair an underwater pipeline , returning 16 March . " Hoist " sailed 23 March to tow targets for aircraft squadron exercises off Bermuda , then sailed 9 May for the Virginia Capes for training operations . " Hoist " now based her operations out of Norfolk , Virginia , and on 9 August steamed to assist the USS " Simon Newcomb " ( AGSC - 14 ) , aground in Mother Burns Cove , Labrador . Towing the vessel to Argentia , Newfoundland , " Hoist " resumed her salvage and repair duties out of Norfolk , with annual deployments to the North Atlantic and periodic operations in the Caribbean and Florida waters . In addition to her salvage and repair services she acted as station ship , performed towing operations , and engaged in amphibious exercises . From early 1960 through 1964 , " Hoist " continued similar services , but concentrated on local salvage duties out of Norfolk and operations in Florida and the Caribbean . Searching for the Thresher . From 29 May through 25 August 1964 , " Hoist " operated with " Trieste II " at the site of the tragedy . Next , performing one of her many rescues , " Hoist " along with and , freed , which had grounded 2 March 1965 . " Blue Jacket " was pulled free in two days , saving her perishable cargo of frozen stores valued at $ 2 , 000 , 000 . From 11 October to 12 November , " Hoist " was busy with towing operations , when ordered to assist in the salvage of , a floating drydock attached to the Polaris program . " Hoist " and raised " Alamogordo " in three weeks . For the remainder of the year " Hoist " was active in local salvage duties . Recovering an H - bomb off the Spanish coast . On 16 February 1966 " Hoist " arrived at Palomares , Spain , to take part in the recovery of an H - bomb . The unarmed weapon was dropped when a B - 52 Stratofortress and KC - 135 flying tanker collided . This recovery is a key event in the movie " Men of Honor " . On 7 April after successful completion of the mission " Hoist " returned to Norfolk , where she arrived 4 May . " Hoist " performed salvage operations in the Virginia Capes area into 1967 . Decommissioning . " Hoist " was decommissioned and struck from the Naval Register , 30 September 1994 . Her title was transferred to the Maritime Administration , 29 November 2001 . She was laid up in the National Defense Reserve Fleet , James River Group , Lee Hall , Virginia . The ship was sold for scrapping on 17 July 2007 , for $ 61 , 000 to North American Ship Recycling , Sparrows Point , Maryland . After North American Recycling closed its doors , the " Hoist " was left abandoned . The vessel was acquired by Bay Bridge Enterprises of Chesapeake , Virginia , with the company being paid $ 95 , 000 for the disposal . The vessel was towed to their Chesapeake yard , arriving on 1 December 2007 . Military awards and honors . The Navy record does not currently list battle stars for " Hoist " . However , her crew was eligible for the following medals , ribbons , and commendations : References . DANFS