USS Crockett (APA-148)

USS "Crockett" (APA-148) was a "Haskell"-class attack transport acquired by the U.S. Navy during World War II for the task of transporting troops to and from combat areas.

"Crockett" ("APA-148") was launched 28 November 1944 by Kaiser Shipbuilding, Inc., Vancouver, Washington, under a Maritime Commission contract; sponsored by Mrs. L. D. Whitgrove, wife of Captain Whitgrove; acquired by the Navy 18 January 1945; and commissioned the same day, Commander J. R. Bagshaw, Jr., USNR, in command.

World War II service

Departing San Diego, California, 5 April 1945, "Crockett" discharged troops and cargo at Pearl Harbor from 12 to 27 April, then carried men of a Naval construction battalion to Samar, arriving 17 May.

Unloading troops under enemy fire

Embarking Army troops, "Crockett" sailed by way of Ulithi for Okinawa where from 24 to 27 June she unloaded under air attack and embarked survivors of ships lost at Okinawa for transfer to San Francisco, California.

End-of-war activity

After a short availability in the States (17-30 July), "Crockett" returned to transport duty in the Pacific Ocean, carrying passengers and cargo to Guam, and transporting soldiers from Manila to Aomori, Japan, for occupation duty. She was assigned to "Operation Magic Carpet" duty, returning men eligible for discharge, and arrived at San Diego, California, 21 October with her first group of veterans. "Crockett" returned from a second voyage to Okinawa on 8 December, sailed from Seattle, Washington, 12 January 1946, and arrived at Norfolk, Virginia, 1 February.

In reserve and decommissioning

She was placed in commission, in reserve 5 June, and out of commission in reserve 15 October 1946. She was transferred to the Maritime Commission for disposal 1 October 1958.

Military awards and honors

"Crockett" received one battle star for service in World War II.

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships
* World War II

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/c15/crockett.htm USS Crockettt]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/03/03148.htm NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive - APA-148 Crockett]