USS Tipton (AK-215)

USS "Tipton" (AK-215) was an "Alamosa"-class cargo ship that was constructed for the U.S. Navy during the closing period of World War II. She was commissioned; however, the war ended and she was declared "excess to needs." She was then transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard in 1946.

Built in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

"Tipton" (AKA-215) was laid down under U.S. Maritime Commission Contract (MC hull 2169) on 28 December 1944 at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, by the Leathern D. Smith Shipbuilding Co.; launched on 13 March 1945; sponsored by Mrs. W. F. Maister; transferred to the Navy Department on 7 September 1945; and commissioned on 9 October 1945, Lt. Comdr. H. E. Gray, USCGR, in command.

World War II-related service

Upon commissioning, the cargo ship was transferred to the custody of the U.S. Coast Guard for maintenance and operation and was manned by a Coast Guard crew.

Post-war inactivation

"Tipton" was decommissioned and permanently transferred to the Coast Guard on 4 March 1946. She was struck from the Navy list on 20 March 1946.

ee also

* United States Navy
* World War II

References

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* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/13/130215.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - AK-215 Tipton]