USNS Capt. Arlo L. Olson (T-AK-245)

USNS "Capt. Arlo L. Olson" (T-AK-245) was an "Alamosa"-class cargo ship that was constructed for the U.S. Navy during the closing period of World War II. However, the war ended, and she was transferred to the U.S. Army as USAT "Capt. Arlo L. Olson" in 1946 who kept her in service until transferred to the U.S. Navy in 1950.

Built in Brunswick, Georgia

The ship was laid down as "MV Bell Ringer" on (date unknown) and launched on (date unknown) at J. A. Jones Construction Company, Brunswick, Georgia, as a type (C1-M-AV1) under U.S. Maritime Commission contract (MC hull 2478). She was acquired by the U.S. Maritime Commission on 11 August 1945 and issued to the Waterman Steamship Corporation under a bare bottom charter.

U.S. Army service

She was returned to the U.S. War Department 13 August 1946 and assigned to the U.S. Army which commissioned her on 30 August 1946 as USAT "Capt. Arlo I. Olson". She was retained by the U.S. Army until she was transferred to the U.S. Navy in 1950.

U.S. Navy service

"Captain Arlo L. Olson" (AK-245) was acquired from the U.S. Army on 1 March 1950 and immediately transferred to the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) USNS "Capt. Arlo L. Olson" (T-AK-245) for permanent assignment.

She continued to serve the U.S. Navy until she was placed out of service on 25 October 1956.

Post-war inactivation

She was stricken from the Navy List on 22 May 1958 and laid up in the National Defense Reserve Fleet, Olympia, Washington until she was sold on 4 March 1971 and subsequently scrapped.

Honors and awards

Qualified vessel personnel were authorized the following::* National Defense Service Medal

ee also

* United States Navy
* World War II

References

*
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/13/130245.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - USNS Capt. Arlo L. Olson (T-AK-245) - ex- USAT Capt. Arlo L. Olson (1946 - 1950)]