About this Unit
USS Tutuila (ARG-4) was a Luzon-class internal combustion engine repair ship commissioned by the United States Navy during World War II. Launched on September 12, 1943, and commissioned on March 8, 1944, Tutuila served in the Pacific Theater, providing vital repair and maintenance services to the fleet, particularly during the Philippines campaign and the Battle of Okinawa. After the war, she continued to support occupation forces in Japan and later served during the Korean War. In 1972, Tutuila was transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy, where she served as ROCS Pien Tai (ARG-516).
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Tutuila (ARG-4) was named after Tutuila, the main island of American Samoa, continuing the Navy tradition of naming repair ships after islands.
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Original Identity: The ship was originally launched as SS Arthur P. Gorman, a Liberty ship built for the Maritime Commission before being acquired by the Navy.
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Conversion to Repair Ship: After acquisition, she was converted at the Maryland Drydock Company from a cargo ship to an internal combustion engine repair ship (ARG).
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World War II Service: Commissioned in 1944, USS Tutuila provided critical repair services to ships in the Pacific Theater, supporting the U.S. Navy’s advance toward Japan.
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Okinawa Campaign: During the Battle of Okinawa, Tutuila braved frequent air raids and kamikaze attacks, repairing damaged ships and helping to maintain fleet readiness.
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Typhoon Survivor: The ship survived the devastating Typhoon Louise in October 1945 while at Okinawa, sustaining minor damage but continuing her repair work.
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Postwar Service: After World War II, Tutuila continued to serve in the Western Pacific, supporting occupation forces and U.S. Navy operations during the immediate postwar period.
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Cold War Role: She served in various Far East locations, including Japan and the Philippines, during the early years of the Cold War, providing logistics and repair support.
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Transfer to China: In 1972, the ship was transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan) under the Security Assistance Program, where she served as ROCS Pien Tai (ARG-516).
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Legacy: USS Tutuila earned two battle stars for her World War II service and is remembered for keeping the U.S. fleet operational in some of the most challenging conditions in the Pacific.
