The USS Palmyra (ARST-3) was a Laysan Island-class salvage craft tender constructed during World War II. Laid down on December 11, 1944, by the Jeffersonville Boat and Machine Company in Indiana, she was originally designated as LST-1100 before being named Palmyra on December 23, 1944. She was commissioned into the U.S. Navy on July 28, 1945. The vessel featured dual diesel-drive engines, each producing 100 kW at 120/240 V DC, and was equipped with single Falk Main Reduction Gears. Her propulsion system included twin rudders, enabling precise maneuvering necessary for salvage operations. Following her shakedown in the Gulf of Mexico, Palmyra transited the Panama Canal to join Service Squadron 10 of the Pacific Fleet. She operated out of Guam until February 1946, supporting Pacific Fleet activities. Subsequently, Palmyra was assigned to TU 1.2.7, the salvage unit for Operation Crossroads, the atomic bomb tests conducted at Bikini Atoll. She arrived at Bikini Atoll in May 1946, actively participating in the preparations for the nuclear tests, and afterward assisted in salvage efforts related to the aftermath of the tests. After her active service, the Palmyra reported to Commander, Atlantic Reserve Fleet, on February 6, 1947, and was decommissioned on June 20, 1947. She was placed in reserve at Orange, Texas, where she remained for over two decades. The vessel was struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1973 and was sold for scrapping on April 1, 1974, by the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office. The USS Palmyra's service history reflects her role in post-World War II salvage and nuclear test support, marking her as a significant asset in early Cold War naval operations.

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