USS Arkab

USS Arkab (AK-130) was a Crater-class cargo ship commissioned by the U.S. Navy during World War II. Named after the star Arkab, located in the constellation Sagittarius, AK-130 served primarily in the Pacific Theater transporting cargo and personnel between various island bases. Built as a Liberty ship by the Kaiser Shipbuilding Company in Richmond, California, it was acquired by the Navy and converted for naval service.

Following its commissioning, USS Arkab participated in numerous logistical operations supporting the Allied war effort. These operations involved transporting essential supplies, equipment, and troops to forward operating bases, playing a crucial role in maintaining the supply lines necessary for offensive campaigns. While not designed for combat, Arkab operated in potentially dangerous waters and contributed significantly to the overall war effort through its sustained and reliable logistical support.

After the cessation of hostilities, USS Arkab was decommissioned and eventually returned to civilian service or scrapped. Its service record exemplifies the critical role that cargo ships played in supporting naval operations during World War II. The ship, and others like it, allowed the Navy to project power and maintain a presence across vast distances.