The USS Matar (AK-119) was a Crater-class cargo commissioned by the U.S. Navy for service in World War II. The cargo ship was laid down on 16 October 1943 as SS Napoleon R. Broward, under a Maritime Commission contract by St. Johns River Shipbuilding Company, Jacksonville, Florida, and launched on 30 November 1943. She was placed in commission on 17 May 1944, at Jacksonville, FL., LCDR. with Erwin E. Smith, USNR in command. During World War II, the USS Matar (AK-119) was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater and participated in the capture and occupation of southern Palau Islands - Angaur Island, from 6 September to 14 October 1944, and Okinawa Gunto operation, 29 May to 25 June 1945. Following World War II she was assigned to Occupation service in the Far East from 14 September to 6 November 1945. Like virtually all ships built prior to 1980, the USS Matar (AK-119) was constructed using many asbestos-containing components. Those who served on the USS Matar (AK-119) or participated in the ship’s repair and overhaul should monitor their health carefully.
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