USNS Safeguard (T-ARS-50), (formerly USS Safeguard (ARS-50)), is the lead ship of her class and the second United States Navy ship of that name.
Safeguard was laid down on 8 November 1982 by Peterson Builders, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin; launched on 12 November 1983; and commissioned on 17 August 1985.
Safeguard is the lead ship of the newest auxiliary rescue and salvage class of vessels constructed for the US Navy. The rugged construction of this steel-hulled vessel, combined with her speed and endurance, make Safeguard well-suited for rescue and salvage operations throughout the world. The hull below the waterline is ice-strengthened.
USNS Safeguard's sister ships are the USNS Grasp (T-ARS-51), USNS Salvor (T-ARS-52), USNS Grapple (T-ARS-53).
On 26 September 2007 USS Safeguard was transferred to the Military Sealift Command as USNS Safeguard (T-ARS-50).
Like all Safeguard class rescue and salvage ships, Safeguard serves as an element of the United States Navy's Combat Logistics Support Force and provides rescue and salvage services to the fleet at sea. She also supported the protection of forces ashore through post-assault salvage operations in close proximity to the shore. She is designed to perform combat salvage, lifting, towing, off-ship firefighting, manned diving operations, and emergency repairs to stranded or disabled vessels.