USS Ajax (AR-6)

• 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.