The USS Rigel (AD-13), later redesignated ARb-1 and AR-11, was an Altair class destroyer tender named after the brightest star in the constellation Orion. Originally constructed in 1918 as the SS Edgecombe by the Skinner and Eddy Corporation in Seattle, Washington, she was built for the United States Shipping Board. The vessel was transferred to the U.S. Navy by an Executive Order on October 29, 1921, and commissioned on February 24, 1922, after conversion to a destroyer tender. Rigel's initial service was based in San Diego, where she primarily functioned as a stationary receiving and headquarters ship for Destroyer Base San Diego during the interwar period. In April 1941, she was redesignated as AR-11 and underwent overhaul at Bremerton, Washington, before sailing to Pearl Harbor for repairs and alterations. During the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Rigel was still in drydock, lacking her armament and superstructure, but her crew swiftly shifted to rescue and salvage operations despite slight damage. Following her repairs, Rigel departed for the South Pacific in April 1942, supporting Allied operations by disembarking U.S. Army units, assisting in repair and conversion of merchant ships, and serving as a flagship for Vice Admiral Robert L. Ghormley. She was active in key campaigns such as the Guadalcanal campaign, and later supported operations at Milne Bay, New Guinea, and the Philippines, continuously providing repair, logistical, and support services. Rigel's efforts included repairing a wide range of vessels, installing armaments, and aiding in shore construction. She was decommissioned on July 11, 1946, after earning four battle stars for her service during World War II. Her maritime significance lay in her vital role as a repair and support ship, enabling Allied naval operations across the Pacific theater. Rigel was eventually sold for scrap in 1948, marking the end of her distinguished service.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.