USS Palo Blanco (AN-64)

USS "Palo Blanco" (YN-85/AN-64/ATA-214) was an "ATA-214"-class auxiliary fleet tug acquired by the U.S. Navy towards the end of World War II. She was designed as a yard net tender (YN-85), then redesignated net laying ship (AN-64), and then as an auxiliary fleet tug (ATA-214) as wartime requirements changed quickly towards the war’s end. "Palo Blanco" served in the Pacific Theatre during her brief career with the Navy..

Constructed in Louisiana

"Palo Blanco" (ATA–214) was laid down 22 May 1943 as "YN–85" at Canulette Shipbuilding Co., Slidell, Louisiana; re-designated "AN–64", 20 January 1944; launched 17 June 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Isabella A. Gamage; re-designated "ATA–214", 12 August 1944; lost the name "Palo Blanco"; and commissioned 25 September 1944.

World War II service

During her brief war-time career, "ATA–214" served in the Pacific Ocean. In July 1945, she provided auxiliary tug services in and around Leyte Gulf. On the 12th, she steamed to Buckner Bay, Okinawa, but returned to San Pedro Bay, Leyte the 25th.

Post-war decommissioning

After the war, the ship decommissioned in September 1945; she was transferred to the U.S. Maritime Commission 30 April 1947.

See also

* U.S. Navy
* World War II

References

*
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/38/38214.htm NavSource Online: YN-85 / AN-64 Palo Blanco - ATA-214]