USS Besboro (AG-66)

USS "Besboro" (AG-66) was a cargo ship acquired by the U.S. Navy during World War II. She was heavily armed and converted to troopship and cargo ship use in the North Pacific Ocean. Post-war she was sold so that she could return to her civilian career.

Constructed in Oregon

"Lurline Burns" -- a steamer built in 1918 at Portland, Oregon, by the Albina Engine & Machine works as "Caddopeak" -- was purchased by the Navy on 9 June 1943 from the Burns Steamship Company; renamed "Besboro"; classified a miscellaneous auxiliary and designated "AG-66"; and commissioned at Seattle, Washington, on 22 September 1943, Lt. Comdr. Robert M. Baughman, USNR, in command.

World War II service

The auxiliary ship reported for shakedown training on 1 October and completed it two weeks later. She got underway for Alaskan waters on the 14th and arrived in Dutch Harbor on the 23d. For almost 31 months -- through the end of World War II and during the early postwar period -- "Besboro" steamed along a resupply circuit carrying cargo and troops between Seattle, Washington, and various points on the coast of Alaska. She returned south for the last time early in 1946.

Post-war inactivation

After an inspection and survey at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard, the cargoman was declared surplus to the needs of the Navy. Accordingly, "Besboro" was decommissioned at San Francisco, California, on 3 May 1946. She was turned over to the U.S. Maritime Commission for disposal on 1 July 1946, and her name was struck from the Navy list on 8 October 1946.

Subsequent maritime career

On 23 May 1947, she was sold to the Waterman Steamship Corporation which firm converted her back to mercantile service and restored her former name. However, "Lurline Burns" did not stay long in its service. By 1948, the Hong Kong firm, Wellem & Co. operated her under Panamanian registry as "SS Shapur". That company employed her until 1960 or 1961 when all reference to her in mercantile records ceased.

See also

* United States Navy
* World War II

References

*
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/49/49066.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - AG-66 Besboro]