USNS Pvt. John F. Thorson (T-AK-247)

USNS "Pvt. John F. Thorson" (T-AK-247) 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 "Pvt. John F. Thorson" who kept her in service until transferred to the U.S. Navy in 1950. She was struck in 1960, ending her military career.

Built in Savannah, Georgia

"Private John F. Thorson", a cargo ship, was laid down as "Becket Bend" (MC hull 2486) by the Southeastern Shipbuilding Corporation, Savannah, Georgia. 8 January 1945; launched 26 February 1945; sponsored by Mrs. L. S. deSevilla; and delivered via the U.S. Maritime Commission to Moore-McCormack Lines, Inc. 6 July 1945.

As "Becket Bend", the cargo ship was operated by MooreMcCormack under General Agency Agreement. Title for the ship was transferred from the War Shipping Administration to the Army 23 July 1954 and the actual transfer to custody took place two days later at New Orleans, Louisiana.

U.S. Army service

Renamed "Private John F. Thorson" 31 October 1947, she operated as an Army Transportation Service ship until transferred to the Navy 1 March 1950.

U.S. Navy service

Placed in service as "T–AK–247", she was assigned to the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) and operated from Gulf ports until 1954. Transferred to the Atlantic Reserve Fleet, Charleston, South Carolina, Group, she decommissioned 2 August 1954 and was struck from the Navy List 1 October 1958.

Final inactivation

"Private John F. Thorson" remained at Charleston until transferred to the U.S. Maritime Administration 29 August 1960. The same day she was sold to Hugo New Steel Products, New York City, for scrap.

Honors and awards

Qualified vessel personnel were authorized the following::Data not available.

ee also

* United States Navy
* World War II

References

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* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/13/130247.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - T-AK-247 Pvt John F. Thorson]