About this Unit
USS Dixie (AD-14) was a destroyer tender commissioned by the United States Navy in April 1940. During World War II, she provided critical repair and supply services to destroyers in the Pacific Theater, supporting operations in locations such as Pearl Harbor, New Guinea, and the Philippines. After the war, Dixie continued her service in the Far East, supporting U.S. Seventh Fleet operations during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. She was decommissioned in June 1982, having served the fleet for over four decades.
Historical Facts
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Commissioning and Namesake: USS Dixie (AD-14) was commissioned on 25 April 1940. She was the third ship in the US Navy to bear the name "Dixie," named after the southern United States.
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Role as a Destroyer Tender: USS Dixie was designed to provide maintenance, repair, and logistical support to destroyers and other small ships, acting as a floating shipyard and supply base.
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Pearl Harbor Survivor: USS Dixie was present at Pearl Harbor during the infamous attack on December 7, 1941. She was not damaged during the attack and quickly began supporting the Pacific Fleet's recovery.
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World War II Service: Throughout World War II, Dixie served at multiple forward bases in the Pacific, including Nouméa, Espiritu Santo, and Ulithi, providing critical support to combat ships.
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Kamikaze Attacks: While stationed at Ulithi, the Dixie narrowly escaped damage from Japanese kamikaze attacks, highlighting the constant danger even support ships faced.
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Korean War Contribution: USS Dixie supported United Nations naval forces during the Korean War, operating primarily out of ports in Japan and Korea to keep destroyers and escorts combat-ready.
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Vietnam War Service: During the Vietnam War, Dixie served as a tender for ships operating in the South China Sea, again demonstrating her versatility and value in multiple conflicts.
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Longest Serving Tender: At the time of her decommissioning, USS Dixie held the record as the longest-serving destroyer tender in the US Navy, with over 39 years of continuous service.
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Homeport in San Diego: For much of her career, Dixie was homeported in San Diego, California, and became a familiar sight to generations of sailors and locals.
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Final Fate: USS Dixie was decommissioned on 15 June 1982 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register. She was sold for scrapping in 1983, ending a remarkable era of naval support and service.
