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USS Delphinus (AF-24)

USS Delphinus (AF-24) was a Alstede-class stores ship acquired by the U.S. Navy during World War II. Her primary mission was to carry stores and refrigerated goods to ships in the fleet, supplying them in forward areas. She served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters.

Delphinus was laid down as the merchant ship Alstede by the Pennsylvania Shipbuilding Company, Chester, Pennsylvania, on 11 June 1921; launched on 15 June 1922; acquired by the Navy on 21 November 1941; and commissioned on 15 April 1942, Commander J. F. Kutz in command.

Following shakedown, Delphinus sailed from Norfolk, Virginia, in June 1942, and for the next two years operated primarily in the Atlantic, making voyages to Iceland and North Africa. In 1944, she transferred to the Pacific Theater, where she participated in operations supporting the invasions of the Philippines and other islands. She supplied vital provisions to naval forces engaged in these campaigns.

After the war, Delphinus participated in Operation Magic Carpet, transporting troops back to the United States. She was decommissioned on 16 August 1946, and struck from the Navy List on 8 October 1946. She was sold for scrapping on 10 June 1947.

Delphinus received two battle stars for her World War II service.