- USS Vestal Bell.jpg (41.01 KiB) Viewed 1444 times
USS Vestal (AR-4) was a repair ship in service with the United States Navy from 1913 to 1946. Before her conversion to a repair ship, she had served as a collier since 1909. Vestal served in both World Wars. She was damaged during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and received two battle stars for her World War II service. The USS Vestal was moored next to the USS Arizona and was badly damaged during the attack, hit by bombs intended for the battleships. Crew members of the USS Vestal played a vital role in rescuing sailors on the nearby USS Arizona. Source: wikipedia
In its on-going service after December 7th, this ship was instrumental in repair of several ships damaged at Pearl. Her remaining service throughout WWII is an amazing war account of the behind-the-scenes impact and help the dedicated crew performed throughout the world.
The USS Vestal no longer exists as the vessel was sold for scrapping in 1950. But survivors of Pearl Harbor still remember and celebrate the ship's service and their crew mates. This article by J. Owen published in 2013 is a good read about this ship. https://pearlharbor.org/uss-vestal-extr ... y-service/
Join me in this December 7th remembrance, a SALUTE to "extraordinary service."
PT7
