The USS Proteus (AS-19) is a submarine tender of the United States Navy, launched on 18 March 1945. Designed to support submarines, it provides maintenance, supplies, and repair services. The ship is named after the Greek sea god, Proteus, known for his ability to change shape. Commissioned on 1 December 1945, the USS Proteus served in various capacities during the Cold War, including operations in the Pacific Fleet. It was decommissioned in 1991 and later sold for scrapping in 1998, marking the end of its nearly five-decade service.