About this Unit
USS Markab (AR-23) was a Dixie-class destroyer tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1941. Originally launched as a cargo ship, she was converted to a repair ship and served extensively in the Pacific Theater during World War II, providing maintenance and support to frontline vessels. Markab continued to serve through the Korean War, offering vital repair services to the U.S. Seventh Fleet. She was decommissioned in 1969 after a distinguished career supporting naval operations across multiple conflicts.
Historical Facts
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World War II Service: USS Markab (AR-23) was a destroyer tender that played a crucial support role in the Pacific Theater during World War II, aiding numerous ships in need of repair and maintenance.
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Conversion from Cargo Ship: Originally built as the commercial cargo ship Mormacpenn in 1941, she was acquired by the U.S. Navy and converted into a destroyer tender, officially commissioned as USS Markab in December 1941.
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Name Origin: The ship was named after "Markab," a star in the Pegasus constellation, continuing the U.S. Navy tradition of naming tenders after celestial bodies.
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Reputation for Repairs: Markab became known as a "floating shipyard," providing vital repairs, overhauls, and supplies to destroyers and other vessels, often under dangerous wartime conditions.
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Battle Star Award: For her service during World War II, USS Markab earned one battle star, recognizing her significant contributions to the war effort.
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Korean War Reactivation: After being decommissioned post-WWII, Markab was recommissioned in 1952 to serve during the Korean War, once again supporting the fleet in the Pacific.
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Vietnam War Service: Markab also provided support during the Vietnam War, demonstrating her longevity and adaptability across three major conflicts.
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Notable Crew Stories: Crew members often recounted tales of working around the clock to keep the fleet operational, with Markab earning a reputation for camaraderie and technical skill.
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Decommissioning and Fate: The ship was finally decommissioned in February 1976 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1987, later being scrapped.
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Legacy: USS Markab’s long service life, spanning over three decades and three wars, made her an integral but often unsung hero of U.S. naval operations, exemplifying the essential role of support ships in sustaining fleet readiness.
