USS Protector (ARS-14) was a Diver-class rescue and salvage ship commissioned by the U.S. Navy during World War II.

After training and conducting salvage operations off the U.S. West Coast, Protector sailed from Seattle, Washington, for Alaskan waters, arriving 25 June.

She conducted salvage operations at Yokosuka until 11 November, then assisted SS Drecel Victory, aground in the vicinity of Fort No.2, Tokyo Bay.

On 7 January 1946, Protector departed Yokosuka, sailing via Pearl Harbor to San Francisco as escort and tow for USS Seekonk (AOG-20).

She was struck from the List of Navy Vessels 8 October 1946, transferred to the Maritime Commission; and sold 30 December 1946 to Mr. Glen R. Butt of Cambridge, Massachusetts.