USS Hydra (AK-82)
USS Hydra (AK-82) was an Enceladus-class cargo ship commissioned by the U.S. Navy for service in World War II. She was responsible for delivering goods and equipment to locations in the war zone.
Hydra (AK-82), formerly SS Eben H. Linnell, was launched 23 January 1943 under Maritime Commission contract by Penn-Jersey Ship Building Corp., Camden, New Jersey; acquired by the Navy 1 January 1943; and commissioned 25 September 1943, Lt. E. F. McCotter, USCGR, in command.
World War II East Coast operations
Hydra arrived at Norfolk, Virginia, 1 October to prepare for her shakedown. For the next month she engaged in various operations, including speed trials and target runs in the Chesapeake Bay. She departed Norfolk in early November and sailed into Boston, Massachusetts, Harbor 5 November to begin transferring process. She decommissioned 19 November 1943 and transferred to the U.S. Army the same day.
Serving the Army as USAT Madison Jordan Manchester
Hydra served in the Army as an ammunition ship and was subsequently returned to the Maritime Commission. Hydra was renamed USAT Madison Jordan Manchester and arrived in the James River 20 August 1947 where she is berthed as part of the National Defense Reserve Fleet.
Military awards and honors
Hydra’s crew was eligible for the following medals:
- American Campaign Medal
- World War II Victory Medal
References
This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.