USS Chimaera (ARL-33)
USS "Chimaera" (ARL-33) was one of 39 "Achelous"-class landing craft repair ships built for the United States Navy during World War II. Named for the Chimaera (a mythological character, symbolic of the destructive forces of nature), she was the only U.S. Naval vessel to bear the name. Originally planned as "LST-1137", the ship was redesignated "ARL-33" 14 August 1944. Her design was a modification of the LST Mk.2. Other repair ships and tenders followed her precedent. Service history. "Chimaera" was launched 30 March 1945 by Chicago Bridge and Iron Co., Seneca, Ill., sponsored by Mrs. D. L.  Mahoney. She was placed in partial commission 11 April 1945 and decommissioned 7 May 1945 for conversion at Baltimore, Md.. She was commissioned in full on 7 August 1945. Sailing from Norfolk, Virginia 18 September 1945, "Chimaera" arrived at Green Cove Springs, Florida 21 September to serve as flagship for Commander, St. John's River Reserve Group, Atlantic Fleet until 1 March 1946. On 29 April she cleared for San Pedro, California, arriving 21 May. Local operations were conducted until 17 September when she got underway for the western Pacific. She called at Pearl Harbor and arrived at Tsingtao, China  23 October to provide services to the 7th Fleet. On 14 October 1947 she departed Tsingtao for San Pedro. "Chimaera" was placed out of commission in reserve 8 March 1948. Laid up at the Pacific Reserve Fleet, San Diego Group, she was struck from the Naval Vessel Register in July 1961 and sold in March 1964. Citations and references. Citations References