USS Solace (AH-5)

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USS Solace (AH-5) at anchor

USS Solace (AH-5) was a United States Navy hospital ship that served during World War II. Originally built as the SS Iroquois in 1927, she was acquired by the Navy in 1940 and converted into a hospital ship, being commissioned as USS Solace (AH-5) in 1941. Throughout her service in World War II, Solace provided medical and surgical care to wounded servicemen, operating in both the Pacific Theater and the Atlantic Theater.

Design and Construction

The vessel was designed as a passenger liner named SS Iroquois. However, with the outbreak of World War II and the increasing need for naval medical facilities, the U.S. Navy acquired the ship in 1940. The conversion into a hospital ship included the installation of operating rooms, recovery wards, and medical laboratories. As a hospital ship, Solace was painted white with large red crosses, signifying her non-combatant status under the Geneva Convention.

Service History

Upon commissioning in 1941, USS Solace was immediately put into service. She played a critical role following the Attack on Pearl Harbor, providing medical care to the many wounded. Throughout the war, Solace participated in several key operations, including the Battle of Midway, the Guadalcanal Campaign, and the Battle of Okinawa, among others. Her crew performed thousands of surgical operations and provided care for servicemen suffering from various injuries and illnesses.

Post-War Service and Decommissioning

After the end of World War II, USS Solace continued to serve the needs of the Pacific Fleet before being decommissioned in 1946. She was struck from the Naval Vessel Register and eventually sold for scrap in 1951.

Legacy

The USS Solace (AH-5) is remembered for her significant contributions to the care of wounded servicemen during World War II. Her efforts not only saved countless lives but also highlighted the critical importance of medical care in wartime. The dedication of her crew set a standard for future naval medical operations.

See Also

• Hospital ship
• United States Navy
• World War II
• Geneva Convention