USS Repose (AH-16)

• Two Commissioned Periods: USS Repose (AH-16) served during two major periods: first from 1945 to 1950 (World War II and immediate aftermath), and then from 1950 to 1954 (Korean War), and recommissioned a third time from 1965 to 1970 (Vietnam War). • Converted from a Cargo Ship: Originally laid down as the SS Marine Beaver, a C4-class cargo ship, she was converted into a hospital ship before entering service. • Impressive Medical Capacity: Repose could accommodate up to 750 patients, and her crew included around 564 medical staff at full complement, making her a floating hospital of significant capability. • Known as the "Angel of the Orient": During her service in the Korean War, she earned the nickname "Angel of the Orient" for her role in saving thousands of lives. • Helicopter Landing Deck: Repose was one of the first hospital ships to have a helicopter landing deck installed, allowing for rapid evacuation of wounded personnel directly from the battlefield. • Korean War Service: During the Korean War, Repose spent over 30 continuous months on station, providing uninterrupted medical care to wounded soldiers. • Vietnam War Role: In Vietnam, Repose was stationed off the coast and acted as a primary receiving ship for casualties evacuated by helicopter from the front lines. • Celebrity Visits: Famous visitors included Bob Hope and his USO troupe, who performed for the crew and patients aboard the ship during the Vietnam War. • Humanitarian Missions: Beyond treating American servicemen, Repose also provided medical care to allied and civilian casualties, including South Vietnamese and Korean soldiers. • Final Fate: After her decommissioning in 1970, USS Repose was struck from the Naval Register in 1974 and sold for scrap in 1975, ending her long and distinguished service history.