USS Bronx (APA-236)

USS "Bronx" (APA-236) was a sclass|Haskell|attack transport that was built for service with the US Navy in World War II. Commissioned just weeks after the end of the war, she never saw hostilities.

"Bronx" was named after Bronx, New York. She was launched 14 July 1945 by Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation of Portland, Oregon, under a Maritime Commission contract; sponsored by Mrs. John W. Greenslade, wife of Admiral Greenslade; acquired by the Navy 27 August 1945; and commissioned the same day Captain E. J. Anderson, USNR, in command.

Operational history

"Bronx" got underway from San Pedro, California, for Manila, Philippine Islands, 30 October 1945. At Manila she embarked Army personnel for the return trip to San Francisco. She returned to the Philippines in January and brought Naval personnel back to the West Coast. On 4 April 1946 she stood out for Shanghai, China. From here she steamed to Tsingtao and Taku, China, where she embarked Marine and Naval personnel for transportation to San Francisco.

"Bronx" sailed to Buckner Bay, Okinawa, 7 June and received on board military personnel en route to San Francisco. During August she took part in training maneuvers near San Diego. On 28 September and again on 24 October, she departed carrying troops to Olympia, Washington. She continued these coastwise operations until 9 January 1947 when she got underway for Pearl Harbor with troops. From there she proceeded to Okinawa, China, and Guam carrying passengers and cargo. The ship weighed anchor for San Francisco 22 May 1947. She then operated at various ports in California until January 1948.

On 5 January 1948 she set sail for Tsingtao, China, via Pearl Harbor, transporting cargo. After stopping at Shanghai, she proceeded to Guam and then back to Tsingtao.

"Bronx" got underway for San Francisco 4 May laden with cargo. She operated along the West Coast transporting men and supplies until 18 January 1949 when she steamed to Kodiak Island, Alaska, for landing exercises.

Decommission

On 18 February she departed for San Francisco with personnel and equipment. Upon arrival at San Francisco she commenced her pre-inactivation overhaul. "Bronx" was placed out of commission in reserve 30 June 1949. She was later transferred to the Maritime Administration and laid up in the National Defense Reserve Fleet, where she was redesignated an Amphibious Transport (LPA-236), on 1 January 1969. Her final disposition is unknown.

References

* [http://www.hazegray.org/danfs/amphib/apa236.htm "Bronx" (APA-236)] , DANFS Online
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/03/03236.htm APA-236 "Bronx"] , Navsource Online