USS AMPHION (AR-13)

• Origins and Construction: USS Amphion (AR-13) was originally laid down as SS Sea Panther, a C3 cargo ship, before being acquired and converted by the U.S. Navy at the tail end of World War II. • Commissioning Date: Amphion was commissioned as a repair ship on 8 January 1946, just after the end of World War II. • Service Role: As a repair ship, Amphion's primary mission was to provide maintenance, repair, and support to the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, servicing a wide array of naval vessels. • Homeport: For much of her service, Amphion was homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, a major hub for the Atlantic Fleet. • Cold War Operations: Amphion played a significant support role during the Cold War, providing crucial repair services during fleet exercises and operations in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. • Mediterranean Deployments: The ship regularly deployed with the 6th Fleet, supporting U.S. naval operations in the Mediterranean, including during the tense periods of the late 1940s and 1950s. • Hurricane Relief: In 1954, Amphion assisted in relief efforts after Hurricane Hazel, aiding recovery operations along the U.S. East Coast. • Vietnam War Service: While primarily an Atlantic Fleet asset, Amphion also served as a repair and support ship during the Vietnam War era, helping maintain the readiness of deployed vessels. • Awards: For her service, Amphion received several commendations, including the Navy Occupation Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. • Decommissioning and Fate: USS Amphion was decommissioned on 15 September 1971 and subsequently transferred to the Iranian Navy, where she served as IIS Chah Bahar until the early 1990s.