USS Arcturus (AF-52)

History
United States
Ordered	as SS Golden Eagle R2-S-BV1 hull, MC Hull 184
Laid down	8 December 1941
Launched	12 June 1943
Commissioned	as USS Arcturus (AF-52), 18 November 1961
Decommissioned	16 May 1973
Stricken	9 December 1985
Fate	Sunk as a target, 24 July 1997
General characteristics
Displacement	6,319 t.(lt)
Length	469 ft (143 m)
Beam	63 ft (19 m)
Draught	26 ft (7.9 m)
Propulsion	cross-compound turbines, single propeller
Speed	15.5 kts.
Complement	as (T-AF-52), 64
Armament	unknown

USS Arcturus (AF-52) was an Alstede class stores ship stores ship acquired by the U.S. Navy. Her task was to carry stores, refrigerated items, and equipment to ships in the fleet, and to remote stations and staging areas.

The fifth Navy vessel to be named Arcturus, AF-52 was laid down on 8 December 1941 at Oakland, California, by the Moore Dry Dock Co. under a Maritime Commission contract (MC hull 184) as Golden Eagle; launched on 15 March 1942; sponsored by Mrs. John B. McKee; and delivered to the War Shipping Administration (WSA) on 23 April 1943. She was operated under WSA charter by the United Fruit Co. until 1946 and, thereafter by the Sword Line Inc. and the United States Lines. LTJG Sam Bell Damage Control Officer, OOD in formation cruising, 1964-1967