USS Ryer (AG-138)

USS "Ryer" (AG-138/AKL-9) was a "Camano"-class cargo ship constructed for the U.S. Army as USAT "FS-347" shortly before the end of World War II and later acquired by the U.S. Navy in 1947. She was configured as a transport and cargo ship and was assigned to serve the World War II Trust Territories in the Pacific Ocean.

Built in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

"Ryer" (AG-138), built in 1944 for commercial use by the Sturgeon Bay Ship Building & Dry Docking Co. of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, was accepted by the U.S. Army and designated "FS-361" on 28 February 1944, taken over by the Navy 22 February 1947; named "Ryer" and designated "AG-138" on 3 April 1947; and commissioned on 8 June 1947.

Assigned to the Trust Territory

Redesignated "AKL-9" on 31 March 1949, "Ryer" was used by the Navy until the summer of 1950 on logistic support and surveillance missions in the Mariana Islands, the Caroline Islands, the Bonin Islands, and the Marshall Islands.

Korean War service

During the Korean Conflict, she carried ammunition between Sasebo and various Korean ports, including Pusan and Inchon, from September 1950 to September 1951. From Korean duty, the ship returned to logistic support and surveillance duties in Micronesia, with her home port at Guam. She continued this service until returning to the United States for decommissioning.

Final decommissioning

"Ryer" was placed in commission, in reserve, on 18 June 1955 and out of commission, in reserve, at Astoria, Oregon, on 4 August 1955. At Astoria until struck from the Navy list at San Diego, California, on 1 July 1961, she was delivered to her purchaser, Pacific Tow-Boat & Salvage Co., Long Beach, California, on 25 January 1962.

Honors and awards

"Ryer" earned six battle stars for service in the Korean Conflict:
* North Korean Aggression
* Communist China Aggression
* Inchon Landing
* First UN Counter Offensive
* Communist China Spring Offensive
* UN Summer-Fall Offensive

See also

* United States Navy
* World War II

References

*
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/49/49138.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - FS-361 - AG-138 / AKL-9 Ryer]