Ships of Pearl Harbor: USS Vega

The name “USS Vega” is unique in American naval history. This blog delves into the stories of these often-overlooked workhorses of the sea, the USS Vega (AK-17) who found herself connected to the pivotal events of World War II and beyond.

The USS Vega began as the freighter “Lebanon” in 1918. Acquired by the Navy in 1921, it was renamed “Vega” and classified as a cargo ship (AK-17). This workhorse served the Navy for over two decades, undertaking vital cargo runs across the globe.

From 1921 to 1924, the Vega traversed the Atlantic and Pacific, transporting supplies between East and West Coast ports, the Far East, and the Caribbean. In the summers between 1925 and 1928, it became a familiar sight in the Alaskan waters, delivering essential supplies to remote naval radio stations.

The USS Vega (AK-17) played a unique role in Pearl Harbor. Docking and unloading critical munitions on December 7th, 1941, it found itself at the heart of the Japanese attack. Despite the surprise, the crew bravely fought back, manning their anti-aircraft guns against the enemy planes. While other warships were major targets, the unassuming Vega actively contributed to the harbor’s defense. Civilian dockworkers, demonstrating incredible courage, continued unloading ammunition throughout the chaos. Remarkably, the Vega emerged unscathed, a testament to the heroism of its crew and a reminder of the lesser-known contributions during this pivotal event.

The Vega’s service went far beyond Pearl Harbor. In 1942, it supported operations in the Aleutian Islands, a brutal campaign often overshadowed by the larger battles in the Pacific. The Vega became a vital cog in the island-hopping campaign, delivering critical supplies to ships fighting against Japanese forces. It ferried food, fuel, ammunition, replacement parts, and other essential goods, ensuring the smooth operation of the vast American fleet pushing westward. The Vega’s contribution helped sustain the momentum of the Pacific offensive, ultimately leading to Allied victory.

Following the war’s conclusion, the Vega continued its service, transporting troops and cargo as the Navy demobilized. However, by 1946, the aging vessel was deemed surplus to requirements and sold for commercial use.