USS Hector (AR-7)

• World War II Service: USS Hector (AR-7) was a repair ship commissioned in February 1944 and played a vital role in the Pacific Theater, repairing damaged ships during critical battles such as Leyte Gulf and Okinawa. • Namesake: The ship was named after Hector, the legendary Trojan prince and warrior from Greek mythology, symbolizing strength and resilience. • Built in California: USS Hector was constructed at the Los Angeles Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in San Pedro, California, highlighting the major role the West Coast played in wartime ship production. • Quick Repairs Under Fire: During the Battle of Okinawa, Hector’s crew performed emergency repairs on ships damaged by kamikaze attacks, often working under threat of aerial assault themselves. • Korean War Service: The ship was reactivated for service during the Korean War, providing vital repair and maintenance support to the U.S. Seventh Fleet from Japanese ports such as Sasebo and Yokosuka. • Longest-Serving AR: At the time of its decommissioning in 1987, USS Hector was the longest-serving repair ship (AR) in the U.S. Navy, with over 43 years of service. • Vietnam War Contributions: Hector spent years supporting naval operations in the Vietnam War, maintaining and repairing dozens of ships at Subic Bay and in Vietnamese waters. • Humanitarian Mission: In 1975, during Operation Frequent Wind, Hector provided support to ships rescuing Vietnamese refugees during the fall of Saigon. • Multicultural Crew: Over its decades of service, the Hector’s crew included sailors and officers from across the United States and allied nations, fostering a diverse and multicultural environment. • Decorations: USS Hector earned several awards, including four battle stars for World War II service, five for the Korean War, and six campaign stars for Vietnam, reflecting its sustained and distinguished contributions.