USS Chinquapin (AN-17)

USS "Chinquapin" (YN-12/AN-17) was an "Aloe"-class net laying ship commissioned by the U.S. Navy during World War II. She served in the Pacific Ocean theatre of operations and provided net laying services throughout the Pacific.

Commissioned in California

"Chinquapin", ex-"Fir", renamed on 16 October 1940, was launched 15 July 1941 by General Engineering and Dry Dock Co., Alameda, California; sponsored by Mrs. J. Lane; and placed in service 29 October 1941. She was commissioned 6 January 1943, Lieutenant R. D. Abernathy, USNR, in command.

World War II service

Assigned to the 12th Naval District headquartered at the Mare Island in Vallejo, California, "Chinquapin" conducted net, salvage, and towing operations out of the Tiburon, California, Net Depot until 31 December 1943 when she sailed for Pearl Harbor, arriving 10 January 1944. On 20 January she was redesignated "AN-17". "Chinquapin" tended nets and laid moorings at Majuro, Kwajalein, and Eniwetok from 15 February 1944 to 27 July, then supported the Marianas occupation by similar operations at Saipan and Guam until 28 October.

Returning via Pearl Harbor to San Francisco, California, as a convoy escort, "Chinquapin" was overhauled, and on 3 February 1945 sailed via Pearl Harbor and Ulithi for Okinawa, arriving 1 May for net, mooring and transport operations there until 30 October.

Post-war decommissioning

She returned to Astoria, Oregon, 11 December and was placed out of commission in reserve 6 March 1946. Her fate is not recorded.

Honors and awards

"Chinquapin" received three battle stars for World War II service.

See also

* U.S. Navy
* World War II

References

*
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/18/18017.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - YN-12 Fir / AN-17 Chinquapin]