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Saturn (AK-49): Photographs

These photographs were selected to show the original configuration of this class and major subsequent modifications. For more views see the former NHHC (now Hyperwar) Online Library of Selected Images and the NavSource Photo Archive.

Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.

S.S. Arauca

This new German freighter is shown while interned at Port Everglades, Florida, between late 1939 and 1941.

Photo No. NH 105638
Source: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command

 
USS Saturn (AK-49)

At Charleston, S.C., on 26 June 1942 while receiving extensive repairs there to her complex German propulsion plant.
The Navy lighter YC-734 is alongside.

Photo No. Unknown
Source: U.S. National Archives, RG-19-LCM

 
USS Saturn (AK-49)

Photographed by the Charleston, S.C. Navy Yard on 5 August 1942, probably on a post-repair trial trip.

Photo No. 19-N-31985
Source: U.S. National Archives, RG-19-LCM

 
USS Saturn (AK-49)

Photographed by the Norfolk Navy Yard on 7 July 1943.

Photo No. 19-N-51966
Source: U.S. National Archives, RG-19-LCM

 
USS Saturn (AK-49)

Photographed by the Norfolk Navy Yard on 2 January 1944 following modifications.
The two after 3"/50 guns were replaced with 20mm guns on a raised platform because of blast interference between the 3" guns and the 5" gun on the stern. The 5" gun was also upgraded from a 5"/51 low angle to a 5"/38 dual purpose gun.

Photo No. 19-N-60198
Source: U.S. National Archives, RG-19-LCM

 
USS Saturn (AF-40)

Photographed by the Norfolk Navy Yard on 28 June 1944 following her conversion to a refrigerated cargo ship.

Photo No. 19-N-68717
Source: U.S. National Archives, RG-19-LCM

 
USS Saturn (AF-40)

Transferring frozen provisions to USS Midway (CVB-41) in early 1946.

Photo No. NH 99295
Source: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command