USS Arikra (AT-98)

USS Arikra (AT-98) Homepage Photos Members

Relive and share the memories of your service-time with your brothers and sisters in arms today. VetFriends.com can help you reconnect.

Did you proudly serve in the USS Arikra (AT-98)?

Are you looking for someone who is or was in the USS Arikra (AT-98)?

Do you have USS Arikra (AT-98) photos you'd like to share?

Then join a community with your brothers and sisters of the USS Arikra (AT-98).

Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About USS Arikra (AT-98)

USS Arikra (AT-98) was a Cherokee-class fleet tug commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. During World War II, she served in the Pacific Theater, providing vital towing, salvage, and rescue operations in support of amphibious assaults, including the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the war, Arikra continued her service during the Korean War, assisting United Nations forces with similar support duties. The vessel remained active until her decommissioning in 1971, earning several battle stars for her distinguished service.

Unit Members

Ronald Darnall

U.S. Navy

USS Arikra (AT-98)View Profile

Photos

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

About USS Arikra (AT-98)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Namesake: USS Arikra (AT-98) was named after the Arikara, a Native American tribe historically located in North Dakota. • Type and Class: She was an Abnaki-class fleet ocean tug, designed for towing and salvage operations in deep seas and combat zones. • Commissioned in WWII: Arikra was commissioned on 5 August 1943 and served actively during World War II, supporting naval operations in the Pacific Theater. • Iwo Jima and Okinawa: The tug played a crucial support role in the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, providing towing, salvage, and firefighting assistance during heavy combat operations. • Kamikaze Threats: During the Okinawa campaign, USS Arikra faced multiple kamikaze attacks while assisting damaged vessels, highlighting the danger faced by support ships. • Korean War Service: The ship was recommissioned for the Korean War, providing vital logistics, salvage, and towing support for United Nations naval forces. • Vietnam War Operations: Arikra further served during the Vietnam War, demonstrating the longevity and versatility of Abnaki-class tugs across multiple conflicts. • Multiple Awards: The ship earned three battle stars for her World War II service, two for Korean War, and additional commendations for her Vietnam War contributions. • Decommissioning and Fate: USS Arikra was decommissioned in 1971 and later transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan) in 1972, where she served as ROCS Da Han (ATF-553). • Legacy: Arikra’s long service across three major conflicts exemplifies the critical but often unheralded role of fleet tugs in supporting naval operations, saving ships, and safeguarding lives.