USS Hoist (ARS-40) was a Bolster-class rescue and salvage ship acquired by the United States Navy during World War II.

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.

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.

From 11 October to 12 November, Hoist was busy with towing operations, when ordered to assist in the salvage of Alamogordo (ARDM-2), a floating drydock attached to the Polaris program.