USS Pepperwood (AN-36)

USS "Pepperwood" (AN-36/YN-31) was an "Aloe"-class net laying ship which served with the U.S. Navy in the North Atlantic Ocean theatre of operations during World War II. She was assigned to serve the U.S. Atlantic Fleet with her protective anti-submarine nets and earned one battle star. At war’s end, she was transferred, and later sold, to the French Navy.

Launched in Camden, New Jersey

"Pepperwood" (YN–31) was laid down 25 October 1940 by John H. Mathis Co., Camden, New Jersey; placed in service at Camden 8 June 1942; sponsored by Mrs. It. E. McShane; and commissioned at Norfolk, Virginia, 15 December 1942, Lt. Charles E. Hall in command.

World War II service

"Pepperwood" reported for duty to Commander, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. She departed Norfolk 28 December 1942 for Morehead City, North Carolina, her station from 1 January to 28 February 1943, when reassigned to Norfolk.

From Norfolk she went via Bermuda and Gibraltar to Oran, Algeria where she arrived 24 April 1943. She placed and serviced anti-submarine nets at Oran and Algiers from 24 April to 31 December 1943. She was reclassified "AN–36" on 20 January 1944.

Transferred to the French Navy

Transferred to the French Navy under Lend Lease 15 December 1944, she was sold to France 21 March 1949. She was struck from the Naval Register 28 April 1949. She served in the French Navy as "Tarentule" (A–729) until she was struck by the French on 14 April 1972.

Honors and awards

"Pepperwood" received one battle star for World War II service.

ee also

* United States Navy
* World War II

References

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* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/18/18036.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - YN-31 / AN-36 Pepperwood]