USS Merak (AF-21)

USS "Merak" (AF-21) was a "Mizar"-class cargo ship acquired by the U.S. Navy for service in World War II. She was responsible for delivering necessary goods and equipment to ships and stations in the war zone.

The second "Merak" to be named by the U.S. Navy, "AF-21" was built in 1932 as SS "Veragua" by Bethlehem Steel Shipbuilding Corp., Quincy, Massachusetts, for United Fruit Co.; acquired by the Navy 20 March 1942 on a bareboat charter; renamed "Merak" 31 March 1942; and commissioned at Galveston, Texas, 8 May 1942, Comdr. L. E. Divoll in command.

World War II North Atlantic operations

Following conversion by Todd Galveston Dry Dock Co., 18 May, the "Merak" proved to be a very active durable transporter of men and supplies. Shakedown training began on her maiden Navy voyage to Charleston, South Carolina. Adding her logistic support to the war effort, she completed 10 voyages in convoy from east coast ports to the island ports of the Caribbean by 20 March 1943. Turning northward "Merak" arrived 12 April at Reykjavík, Iceland. Again steaming southward she completed two short deliveries to Cuba before undertaking her first wartime transatlantic crossing in July, debarking men, mail, and stores in Algeria, North Africa. In between additional Caribbean assignments, "Merak" made trips to both Sicily and Scotland before the end of 1943.

Blown ashore at Argentia, Newfoundland

This pattern of Caribbean sailings and transatlantic voyages continued until February 1945 with "Merak" steaming across from Bayonne, New Jersey, to Italian ports four times in this interval. After a brief drydock period "Merak" replenished ships and bases from Iceland to Trinidad. On her last voyage to Reykjavík, a blizzard blew her ashore while anchored at Argentia, Newfoundland, 14 July 1946. Freed by tugs she completed this voyage and two more to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad before being released by the Navy.

Post-war decommissioning

Having served well, "Merak" decommissioned 21 June 1946 at New York and was returned to her owner on that date.

Military awards and honors

Merak’s crew were authorized the following medals:
* American Campaign Medal
* Europe-Africa-Middle East Campaign Medal
* World War II Victory Medal

References

*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/m9/merak-ii.htm

External links

* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/06/0621.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - AF-21 Merak]