USS Patroclus (ARL-19)

USS Patroclus (ARL-19)

USS Patroclus (ARL-19) was one of 39 Achelous-class landing craft repair ships built for the United States Navy during World War II. Named for Patroclus (a Homeric character; a beloved of Achilles, slain by Hector while fighting in Achilles’ armor), she was the only U.S. Naval vessel to bear the name.

Originally laid down as LST–955 at the Bethlehem-Hingham Shipyard of Hingham, Massachusetts 22 September 1944; launched 22 October 1944; and placed in reduced commission 13 November 1944 to proceed to Baltimore, Maryland; decommissioned on the 27th; converted to an ARL at the Bethlehem Key Highway Plant; and commissioned in full 17 April 1945 with Lieutenant Evan G. Bower in command.