The USS Beagle (IX-112) was an Armadillo-class tanker built for the United States Navy during World War II. Constructed under a Maritime Commission contract, her keel was laid on September 27, 1943, by the California Shipbuilding Corporation at Terminal Island, Los Angeles. Originally launched as the Type T1 tanker David Rittenhouse on October 29, 1943, she was sponsored by Mrs. Victor Dalton. Shortly thereafter, she was renamed Beagle and designated IX-112 (initially listed as IX-111) before her commissioning on November 20, 1943. The vessel measured as a tanker designed for fuel transportation, with a primary mission of supporting naval operations in the Pacific theater. After a shakedown period in early 1944, Beagle was deployed to the western Pacific, where she operated primarily as a fuel supply ship among various island groups. Notably, between October 13 and November 9, 1944, she provided logistical support during the invasion of Leyte, aiding the campaign by transporting vital fuel supplies to the advancing Allied forces. Following this major operation, Beagle continued her routine duties, supplying fuel between Pacific bases and supporting ongoing military efforts. After the conclusion of World War II, Beagle remained active in supporting American occupation forces in the Far East. She departed Eniwetok on March 11, 1946, and transited the Panama Canal on April 16, arriving in Norfolk, Virginia, on April 30. She was decommissioned at Norfolk on June 13, 1946, and transferred to the Maritime Commission for disposal. Her name was struck from the Navy list on July 3, 1946. Subsequently, she entered merchant service under several names, including Edison Skipper, George S., Georgios Sideratos, and Maria G.L., until she was scrapped in 1964. Throughout her service, USS Beagle earned one battle star for her participation in World War II, highlighting her role in the Pacific theater. Her operational history underscores her importance as a logistical support vessel in wartime 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.