From: Dictionary of American Fighting Ships

A southern constellation of stars named for the nine-headed water monster in Greek mythology slain by Hercules as the second of 12 "Labors" which were imposed upon him by Eurystheus, the king of Argos.

(AK - 82: dp. 1,677; l. 269'10"; b. 42'6"; dr. 20'9"; s. 10 k.; cpl. 83; a. 1 3"; cl. Enceladus; T. N3-M-A1)

Hydra (AK-82), formerly Eben H. Linnell, was launched 23 January 1943 under Maritime Commission contract by Penn-Jersey Ship Building Corp., Camden, N J.; acquired by the Navy 1 January 1943; and commissioned 25 September 1943, Lt. E. F. McCotter, USCGR, in command.

Hydra arrived at Norfolk 1 October to prepare for her shakedown. For the next month she engaged in various operations, including speed trials and target runs in the Chesapeake Bay. She departed Norfolk in early November and sailed into Boston Harbor 5 November to begin transferring process. She decommissioned 19 November 1943 and transferred to the Army the same day. Hydra served in the Army as an ammunition ship and was subsequently returned to the Maritime Commission. Hydra was renamed Madison Jordan Manchester and arrived in the James River 20 August 1947 where she is berthed as part of the National Defense Reserve Fleet.

Transcribed by Yves HUBERT (hubertypc@aol.com)