About this Unit
USS Denabola (AD-12) was a destroyer tender of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1921. Originally built as the *Edgewood* in 1919, she was converted to support destroyers with maintenance, supplies, and repairs. Denabola served primarily in the Atlantic and Caribbean during peacetime, playing a key logistical role. During World War II, she was reactivated to provide vital tender services to destroyers and escorts in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean, contributing to Allied naval operations before being decommissioned in 1946.
Historical Facts
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Origins and Naming: USS Denabola (AD-12) was named after Denebola, the second-brightest star in the constellation Leo. The ship was originally launched as SS Edgewood in 1919 before being acquired and converted by the U.S. Navy.
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World War I Construction: Built at Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, the vessel was completed too late to serve in World War I, but later became vital in World War II.
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Conversion to Destroyer Tender: The ship was acquired by the Navy in 1921 and converted into a destroyer tender, a support vessel providing maintenance and supplies to destroyers.
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Interwar Service: During the 1920s and 1930s, Denabola served with the Atlantic Fleet, helping to maintain fleet readiness during peacetime operations and exercises.
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Pre-WWII Inactivity: Placed out of commission in 1923, she was laid up for over 16 years until being recommissioned in January 1940 as global tensions rose.
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WWII Service: Denabola played a crucial support role during World War II, servicing destroyers and other vessels in key Atlantic and Mediterranean operations.
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Operation Torch: She supported Allied landings in North Africa by tending to destroyers involved in Operation Torch (the 1942 invasion of North Africa).
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Italian Campaign: Denabola served at several Mediterranean ports, including Palermo and Naples, supporting naval operations during the Italian Campaign.
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Postwar Fate: After the war, Denabola was decommissioned in December 1946 and eventually sold for scrap in 1947, ending nearly three decades of service.
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Legacy: As a destroyer tender, Denabola exemplified the vital but often overlooked logistical role that support vessels played in sustaining naval operations during wartime.
