USS Chimaera (ARL-33)

The USS "Chimaera" (ARL-33) was one of 39 "Achelous"-class landing craft repair ships built for the United States Navy during World War II. Named for the Chimaera (a mythological character, symbolic of the destructive forces of nature), she was the only U.S. Naval vessel to bear the name.

Originally planned as "LST-1137", the ship was redesignated "ARL-33" 14 August 1944 ; launched 30 March 1945 by Chicago Bridge and Iron Company of Seneca, Illinois; sponsored by Mrs. D. L. Mahoney; placed in partial commission 11 April 1945; decommissioned 7 May 1945 for conversion at Baltimore, Maryland; and commissioned in full 7 August 1945 with Lieutenant F. E. Clerk, Jr., USNR, in command. Sailing from Norfolk 18 September 1945, "Chimaera" arrived at Green Cove Springs, Florida 21 September to serve as flagship for Commander, St. John's River Reserve Group, Atlantic Fleet until 1 March 1946. On 29 April she cleared for San Pedro, California, arriving 21 May. Local operations were conducted until 17 September when she got underway for the western Pacific. She called at Pearl Harbor and arrived at Tsingtao, China 23 October to provide services to the 7th Fleet. On 14 October 1947 she departed Tsingtao for San Pedro. "Chimaera" was placed out of commission in reserve 8 March 1948. Laid up at the Pacific Reserve Fleet, San Diego Group, she was struck from the Naval Vessel Register (date unknown); her final fate is unknown.

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