USS Duplin (AKA-87)

USS "Duplin" (AKA-87) was an "Achernar" class attack cargo ship named after Duplin County, North Carolina. Like all AKAs, "Duplin" was designed to carry military cargo and landing craft, and to use the latter to land weapons, supplies, and Marines on enemy shores during amphibious operations. She served as a commissioned ship for 12 months. Duplin was launched 17 October 1944 by North Carolina Shipbuilding Co., Wilmington, North Carolina, under a Maritime Commission contract; sponsored by Miss M. Jennette; acquired by the Navy 30 October 1944; converted by Bethlehem Steel Co., Key Highway Plant, Baltimore, Md.; and commissioned 15 May 1945, Commander H. B. Fluck, USNR, in command.

"Duplin" arrived at Marseilles, France, from Norfolk 24 June 1945 to embark Army troops and cargo for the Pacific. She sailed from Marseilles 9 July for the Panama Canal and Manila, arriving 23 August. With occupation troops embarked, "Duplin" sailed 20 September to land her passengers at Wakayama, 5 days later. She made a similar voyage to land troops at Matsuyama 22 October, then was assigned to "Operation Magic Carpet" duty returning servicemen to the United States.

"Duplin" sailed from Nagoya 9 November 1945 and landed the veterans at Seattle, Washington, on the 20th. Between 28 December 1945 and 20 February 1946 she voyaged to carry cargo to Japan for the occupation forces, returning with troops. She departed Oakland, California, 6 March for the east coast, arriving at Norfolk 20 days later. "Duplin" was decommissioned 21 May 1946 and transferred to the Maritime Commission 23 May 1946 for disposal.

She was scrapped in 1971.

References

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/d6/duplin.htm Naval Historical Center: USS "Duplin"]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/02087.htm NavSource Online: AKA-87 "Duplin"]
* [http://ussrankin.org/id352.htm 51 Years of AKAs]