USS Minotaur (ARL-15)

The USS "Minotaur" (ARL-15) was one of 39 "Achelous"-class landing craft repair ships built for the United States Navy during World War II. Named for the Minotaur (the mythological monster of Crete, half man half bull, who was confined in the Labyrinth), she was the only U.S. Naval vessel to bear the name.

Originally laid down as "LST-645" by the Chicago Bridge & Iron Company of Seneca, Illinois 20 June 1944; redesignated "ARL-15" on 14 August 1944; launched 20 September 1944; placed in ferry commission 30 September for conversion at Mobile, Alabama; and commissioned as USS "Minotaur" (ARL 15) 26 February 1945 with Lieutenant Joseph H. Church in command. Completing shakedown in March at the Amphibious Training Base, Panama City, Florida, "Minotaur" returned to Mobile to load steelplate and marine engines before departing for the Pacific. Steaming via the Marshall and Caroline Island groups, she anchored Buckner Bay, Okinawa on 4 June. Having arrived during the final stage in the capture of this Japanese bastion, she remained at Okinawa through the end of the War and until 12 December, when she sailed her landing craft repair facilities to Iwo Jima. Making two voyages to Chichi Jima, Bonin Islands, she served in the area a month and a half before heading home. Transiting the Panama Canal 10 April, "Minotaur" entered the Mississippi River 8 days later and moored in New Orleans. In June, "Minotaur" arrived at Orange, Texas and joined the [16th Fleet. She decommissioned 26 February 1947. During the Korean conflict, "Minotaur" recommissioned 14 June 1951 with Lieutenant Commander D. Garrett in command. Assigned to Mine Squadron 8 and home ported at Charleston, South Carolina, for the next 4 years she repaired minesweepers and net layers. She made working visits to Panama City and Yorktown, Virginia and maintained sea readiness during training periods in the Chesapeake Bay operating area. "Minotaur" departed coastal waters only once for a short Caribbean tour early in 1953 before being made available for foreign duty under the Military Assistance Program 2 years later. At New York 3 October 1955 "Minotaur" decommissioned and was loaned to the Republic of Korea, where she served the Korean Navy as ROKS "Duk Soo" (ARL 1). Her final fate is unknown. "Minotaur" received one battle star for World War II service.

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