USS Mulberry (AN-27)

USS "Mulberry" (AN-27/YN-22) was an "Aloe"-class net laying ship which was assigned to serve the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War with her protective anti-submarine nets. She eventually retired from service with the Navy, with one battle star to her credit.

Built in Cleveland, Ohio

"Mulberry" (AN 27) originally designated "YN 22", was laid down 18 October 1940 by the American Shipbuilding Company, Cleveland, Ohio; launched 26 March 1941; sponsored by Mrs. W. H. Gerhauser; placed in service at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in the 10th Naval District; commissioned 19 December 1942, Lt. W. T. Holly in command; and was reclassified "AN 27", effective 20 January 1944.

World War II service

Following re-designation, "Mulberry" departed Guantanamo Bay and sailed to Adak, Alaska. Operating from Adak and Kodiak, Alaska, she engaged in net tending, carried cargo, and transported military personnel in Alaskan an Aleutian waters for the next 3 years.

Post-war service

She arrived San Francisco, California, 12 March 1947 for an overhaul, after which she proceeded to Tiburon, California, for training exercises. Assigned to Hawaii net laying ship duty, she engaged in harbor operations at Pearl Harbor from 7 June to January 1948. She resumed operations off the U.S. West Coast for the next 2 years, departing Bremerton, Washington, 8 July 1950 for duty in Japan.

Korean War service

For the next 5 years she engaged in net tending at Sasebo and Yokosuka Harbors. Between 29 May and 1 August 1953, she operated in the Korean ports of Pusan, Cheju Do, Ulsan, Wonsan, and Chinhae, aiding United Nations forces meeting the challenge of Communist aggression,

Decommissioning

"Mulberry" arrived Long Beach, California, 23 December 1955, and continued operations from that port for the next 5 years. She decommissioned 11 April 1960, and was placed in the Pacific Reserve Fleet, berthed at San Diego, California. The "Mulberry" was transferred on loan to Ecuador in November 1965 under the Military Assistance Program where she served as "Orion (H 101"); she was scrapped in 1980.

Honors and awards

"Mulberry" received one battle star for Korean War service.

See also

* United States Navy
* World War II
* Korean War

References

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* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/18/18027.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - YN-22 / AN-27 Mulberry]