The USS Hydrus was a Camanche-class oiler ship that served in the United States Navy during World War II. The ship was named after the constellation Hydrus, and its primary role was to provide fuel to other ships at sea. It was commissioned in 1944 and served in the Pacific Theater, supporting various operations and campaigns in the region. The USS Hydrus was equipped with advanced technologies for its time, including radar and sonar systems. The ship participated in several important missions, including the Battle of Iwo Jima and the Battle of Okinawa. It also supported the Allied forces in the liberation of the Philippines. The USS Hydrus received two battle stars for its service during World War II. After the war, the USS Hydrus was decommissioned and placed in reserve. In 1961, the ship was transferred to the Military Sea Transportation Service and served as a civilian-manned oiler under the name USNS Hydrus (T-AO-123). The ship continued to support military operations around the world until it was finally struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1973. The USS Hydrus played a vital role in the naval operations of World War II and contributed to the success of the Allied forces in the Pacific. Its service and contributions are commemorated through its inclusion in historical records and naval archives.

This description has been generated using GPT-3.5-TURBO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.