USS Adonis (ARL-4)

USS Adonis (ARL-4)

USS Adonis (ARL-4) was one of 39 Achelous-class landing craft repair ships built for the United States Navy during World War II. Named for Adonis (a handsome youth in Greek mythology who was loved by Aphrodite), she was the only U.S. Naval vessel to bear the name.

Originally laid down as LST-83 at Jeffersonville, Indiana on 31 March 1943 by the Jeffersonville Boat & Machine Company; launched on 14 June 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Frank R. Akhurst; commissioned on 6 August 1943 at Algiers, Louisiana for transportation to Baltimore, Maryland; decommissioned on 21 August 1943 for conversion by the Bethlehem Steel Company for service as a landing craft repair ship; redesignated ARL-4 on 26 August 1943 and simultaneously named Adonis; and placed in commission on 12 November 1943, Lieutenant Matthew E. Thompson in command.