About this Unit
USS Ajax (AR-6) was a Vulcan-class repair ship commissioned by the United States Navy in October 1943. During World War II, she provided vital repair and maintenance services to the Pacific Fleet, supporting operations in locations such as Eniwetok, Ulithi, and Okinawa. Ajax continued her service through the Korean War and the Vietnam War, ensuring fleet readiness by repairing and refitting ships close to combat zones. After decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1986, marking the end of a distinguished career supporting U.S. naval operations across three major conflicts.
Historical Facts
• Namesake: USS Ajax (AR-6) was named after the Greek mythological hero Ajax, known for his strength and courage in the Trojan War.
• Class & Purpose: She was a Dixie-class destroyer tender, specifically designed to repair and maintain other vessels while at sea or in forward locations.
• World War II Service: Commissioned on October 30, 1943, Ajax served in the Pacific Theater, providing vital repair and logistical support to warships during key operations such as the Philippines and Okinawa campaigns.
• Kamikaze Attack: During the Battle of Okinawa, Ajax survived multiple air raids and was often credited with quick repairs that kept damaged U.S. ships in the fight.
• Korean War: The ship served as a floating repair base at Sasebo, Japan, working around the clock to keep the U.S. Seventh Fleet operational during the Korean conflict.
• Vietnam War Role: Ajax played a crucial part in the Vietnam War, anchoring at Subic Bay and other forward locations to repair warships involved in Operation Market Time and other missions.
• Motto and Crew Spirit: Her motto, "Ready to Serve," reflected the crew's pride in their essential yet often unsung work behind the front lines.
• Unusual Repairs: Ajax's crew once used parts from a Coca-Cola machine to help repair a destroyer’s critical systems, demonstrating ingenuity under pressure.
• Longevity: USS Ajax served for nearly 46 years, from 1943 until her decommissioning in 1989, making her one of the longest-serving tenders in U.S. Navy history.
• Final Fate: After decommissioning, Ajax was sold for scrapping in 1997, but her legacy lives on in the stories and reunions of her crew and the ships she helped keep afloat.
