Tucana (AK-88)

Tucana (AK-88) was a Tucana-class attack cargo ship built for the United States Navy during World War II. She was named after the constellation Tucana. As an AK designation, she was designed to carry military cargo and equipment to support amphibious assaults.

Laid down on May 7, 1943, by the North Carolina Shipbuilding Company in Wilmington, North Carolina, Tucana was launched on July 28, 1943, and commissioned on January 12, 1944.

Throughout the latter stages of World War II, Tucana participated in multiple operations in the Pacific Theater, transporting vital supplies and equipment to forward operating bases and combat zones. Her duties included loading, transporting, and unloading cargo in support of various amphibious landings and military campaigns. She served primarily in support of the war effort in the Pacific until the end of the war.

Following the cessation of hostilities, Tucana participated in Operation Magic Carpet, the massive effort to repatriate American service members from overseas. She transported troops back to the United States, contributing to the demobilization of the armed forces.

After her service in Operation Magic Carpet, Tucana was decommissioned on July 11, 1946, and placed in the Pacific Reserve Fleet. She remained in reserve until she was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on October 1, 1961. Finally, she was sold for scrapping in August 1962. She earned two battle stars for her service in World War II.