USS Alex M. Diachenko (APD-123)

• Namesake: USS Alex M. Diachenko (APD-123) was named in honor of Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Alex M. Diachenko, a U.S. Navy sailor who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions during the Battle of Gavutu, Solomon Islands, in 1942. • Original Designation: The ship was originally laid down as a Rudderow-class destroyer escort (DE-690) before being reclassified as a Crosley-class high-speed transport (APD-123). • World War II Service: Commissioned in June 1945, the USS Alex M. Diachenko served in the final months of World War II, primarily as a transport and support vessel in the Pacific theater. • Post-War Occupation Duty: After the war, she helped support occupation forces in Japan, making stops in Tokyo Bay and other Japanese ports during the initial months of American occupation. • Korean War Service: The ship saw extensive service during the Korean War, participating in amphibious exercises, troop transport, and patrol duties along the Korean Peninsula. • Supporting U.S. Allies: During the 1950s, the USS Alex M. Diachenko helped train and support Allied navies, including the training of Republic of Korea Navy personnel. • Cuban Missile Crisis: In 1962, she participated in the naval quarantine of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis, helping enforce the blockade against Soviet ships. • Vietnam War Operations: The ship was active in Vietnam, providing support for amphibious assaults, landing reconnaissance units, and conducting patrols and search and rescue operations. • Decommissioning and Fate: The USS Alex M. Diachenko was decommissioned and struck from the Navy List in 1970, later being transferred to the Republic of Korea Navy where she served as ROKS Kyung Nam (APD-81). • Legacy: As a ship named for a Navy medical hero, the Diachenko’s legacy is a testament to the bravery of military medical personnel and the versatility of the Crosley-class in three major conflicts: World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.