USS Askari (ARL-30)

• USS Askari (ARL-30) was a landing craft repair ship: Designed to provide maintenance and repair services to landing craft and small vessels, the USS Askari was converted from an LST (Landing Ship, Tank) hull. • World War II Service: Although commissioned too late to see combat in World War II, Askari was launched on 2 June 1945 and commissioned on 15 December 1945. • Named after African soldiers: The ship was named "Askari," a term used for locally recruited soldiers serving in the armies of European colonial powers in Africa. • Korean War Action: USS Askari played a crucial support role during the Korean War, providing repair and maintenance to small boats and landing craft in combat zones. • Inchon Landing Support: Askari supported the famous Inchon landings in September 1950 by servicing landing craft involved in the operation. • Vietnam War Service: The ship was reactivated and served extensively in the Vietnam War, supporting "Operation Game Warden" and "Operation Market Time" by maintaining patrol boats (PBRs) and other riverine craft. • Mobile Riverine Base: Askari acted as a mobile base for U.S. Navy river forces in the Mekong Delta, providing repair, supply, and medical services close to combat areas. • Multiple Decommissionings and Recommissionings: The ship was decommissioned in 1947, placed in reserve, and then recommissioned twice, in 1950 for Korea and again in 1966 for Vietnam. • Final Decommissioning and Foreign Service: USS Askari was decommissioned for the last time in 1971 and transferred to the Indonesian Navy, where she served as KRI Djaja Widjaja (AT-1). • Decorations and Honors: Askari earned numerous awards, including five battle stars for Korean War service and eight campaign stars for service in Vietnam, reflecting her significant contributions to U.S. military operations.