USS Everglades (AD-24)

• Namesake Inspiration: USS Everglades (AD-24) was named after the Everglades National Park in Florida, reflecting the U.S. Navy tradition of naming destroyer tenders after geographical features. • World War II Era Construction: The ship was laid down on October 28, 1944, at the Todd Shipyards in Staten Island, New York, during the final year of World War II. • Postwar Launch and Delay: Although launched on January 28, 1945, the USS Everglades was not commissioned until May 25, 1951, due to the end of WWII and the resulting reduced need for auxiliary ships. • Korean War Service: Commissioned during the Korean War, the Everglades provided vital repair and maintenance services to destroyers and other naval vessels in the Atlantic Fleet. • Homeport: The ship was primarily homeported in Charleston, South Carolina, serving as a repair hub for the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. • Cuban Missile Crisis: In 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, USS Everglades played a key support role by ensuring the readiness of naval ships enforcing the blockade around Cuba. • Mediterranean Deployments: The Everglades made several deployments to the Mediterranean Sea, supporting the U.S. Sixth Fleet and engaging in joint NATO exercises during the Cold War. • Humanitarian Support: The ship provided emergency repairs and support to vessels damaged by accidents or natural disasters, including hurricanes along the eastern seaboard. • Decommissioning: USS Everglades was decommissioned on August 15, 1970, and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1977 after nearly two decades of service. • Final Fate: After being sold for scrap in 1982, the legacy of USS Everglades endures through naval history records and the memories of those who served aboard her.