USS Diomedes (ARB-11)

The USS "Diomedes" (ARB-11) was one of 12 "Aristaeus"-class battle damage repair ships built for the United States Navy during World War II. Named for Diomedes (in Greek mythology, a prince of Argos, one of the bravest heroes of the Trojan War), she was the only U.S. Naval vessel to bear the name.

"LST-1119" was launched 11 January 1945 the by Chicago Bridge and Iron Company of Seneca, Illinois; sponsored by Mrs. M. D. Hembree; placed in partial commission from 23 January to 21 February 1945 for the passage to Baltimore, Maryland; converted to a battle damage repair ship as USS "Diomedes" (ARB-11); and commissioned 23 June 1945 with Lieutenant Commander S. H. P. Read, Jr., USNR, in command. "Diomedes" arrived at Okinawa 25 September, and on 3 October got underway for Hong Kong to provide repair services. She sailed from Hong Kong 8 December and called at Kiirun, Formosa before arriving at Taku, China 19 December to continue her repair work. Departing Taku 20 March 1946 "Diomedes" called at Pearl Harbor, and arrived at Charleston, South Carolina 28 May. She arrived in Jacksonville, Florida 2 June, and was placed out of commission in reserve there 3 December 1946.

"Diomedes" was transferred on 7 June 1961 to West Germany, whereupon she was renamed FGS "Wotan" (A513). Her final fate is unknown.

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