USS Midland (AK-195)

USS "Midland" (AK-195) was an "Alamosa"-class cargo ship that was constructed by the U.S. Navy during the closing period of World War II. She was declared excess-to-needs and returned to the U.S. Maritime Commission shortly after being in commission for only a short period of time.

Built in Superior, Wisconsin

"Midland" (AK 195) was laid down under Maritime Commission contract by Walter Butler Shipbuilders, Inc., Superior, Wisconsin, 29 July 1944; launched 23 December 1944; sponsored by Mrs. William G. Mitsch; converted by the New Orleans Naval Station; acquired by the Navy from the Maritime Commission on loan charter 17 August 1945.

Military service

"Midland" was placed in service the same day to be ferried from Beaumont, Texas, to Galveston, Texas, and placed out of service upon arrival the 18th; and commissioned 27 September 1945, Lt. Lloyd K. Barry, USNR, in command.

Dispositioning

Because of the reduced need for cargo ships following World War II, "Midland" decommissioned at New Orleans, Louisiana, 13 November 1945 and was returned to the War Shipping Administration (WSA) the same day for service under the Maritime Commission as "Coastal Harbinger".

Her subsequent history and ultimate fate are not known.

ee also

* United States Navy
* World War II

References

*
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/13/130195.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - AK-195 Midland]