USS Muskingum (AK-198)

USS "Muskingum" (AK-198) was an "Alamosa"-class cargo ship that was constructed for the U.S. Navy during the closing period of World War II. "Muskingum" supported the end-of-war Navy effort and was subsequently placed in service with the U.S. Army as USAT "V-108". In 1950 she was reclaimed by the Navy as USNS "Muskingum" (T-AK-198) and remained in her service until struck in 1973.

Built in Superior, Wisconsin

"Muskingum", a cargo ship, was laid down 26 January 1944; launched by Globe Shipbuilding Co., Superior, Wisconsin, 30 June 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Henry Larson; and commissioned 24 April 1945 at Houston, Texas, Lt. M. H. Bryant in command.

World War II-related service

After shakedown, she departed Gulfport, Mississippi, 26 May 1945 with cargo for the Pacific Ocean. She arrived at Subic Bay, Philippine Islands, 4 August 1945 via the Panama Canal and Manus, the Admiralty Islands. The next few months were spent in carrying passengers and freight between Philippine ports.

She departed Tacloban, Leyte, 24 January 1946, arriving Yokohama 31 January. The ship was decommissioned 7 March 1946 and turned over to the War Shipping Administration (WSA) for future transfer to the U.S. Army Transportation Corps. She was striken from the Navy list 5 June 1946. The cargo ship was designated "V-208" and operated between ports in Japan, Korea, and the Mariana Islands under control of the Japanese Merchant Marine. Overall control was exercised by Supreme Commander of Allied Forces, Japan.

Reacquired from the U.S. Army

"Muskingum" was operated by Japanese under jurisdiction of the U.S. Army until 1 July 1950, when she was reinstated on the Navy list for operations under Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) WesPac (Western Pacific). During the Korean war, she carried supplies between Japan and Korea. Since 1951, AK-198 has been under control of MSTS Far East, operating out of Japan. Besides providing logistical support for U.S. forces in Korea, "Muskingum" carried supplies to American and Allied forces in South Vietnam.

Decommissioning

"Muskingum" continued with service with the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) until an unknown date and was struck from the Navy list on 15 June 1973. On 1 April 1982 "Muskingum" was transferred to the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands Navy.

Her subsequent fate is not known.

Honors and awards

Qualified "Muskingum" personnel were eligible for the following:
* American Campaign Medal
* Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
* World War II Victory Medal
* Navy Occupation Service Medal (with Asia clasp)
* National Defense Service Medal
* Vietnam Service Medal (1)
* Philippines Liberation Medal
* Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

ee also

* United States Navy
* World War II

References

*
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/13/130198.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - USS Muskingum AK-198 - USAT V-108 - USNS Muskingum (T-AK-198)]