USS Coos Bay (AVP-25)

USS "Coos Bay" (AVP-25) was a "Barnegat"-class small seaplane tender commissioned by the U.S. Navy for use in World War II. "Coos Bay" tended to seaplanes, and served in the volatile Pacific War in combat areas that provided her two battle stars by war’s end. Post-war, commissioned with the U.S. Coast Guard, she continued to serve her country.

"Coos Bay" (AVP-25) was launched 15 May 1942 by Lake Washington Shipyards, Houghton, Washington; sponsored by Mrs. L. E. Geheres; commissioned 16 May 1943, Commander W. Miller in command; and reported to the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

World War II Pacific Theatre operations

"Coos Bay" cleared San Diego, California, 22 July 1943 for Pearl Harbor, Espiritu Santo and Cavutu, where she established a seadrome for Patrol Squadron 71 from 13 October until 23 November. She was based successively at Tulagi, at Blanche Harbor in the Treasuries, and at Green Island until 16 June. After carrying men and equipment of Fleet Air Wing 1 from New Georgia to Espiritu Santo, "Coos Bay" sailed 21 August for Guadalcanal, where she unloaded aviation equipment. From 8 September to 9 December she served at Saipan as station tender, then returned to San Pedro, California, for an overhaul.

Damaged in collision at sea

The tender returned to Pearl Harbor 17 March, and 4 days later sailed for Ulithi. During her passage, she collided with a merchant vessel which took her in tow for emergency repairs at Eniwetok, then "Coos Bay" proceeded to San Pedro, California, for overhaul. Returning to Pearl Harbor, "Coos Bay" remained there until 1 September, and then sailed for Ominato Ko, Honshū, Japan, arriving 13 September for station tender duty until 2 December, when she proceeded to Orange, Texas, arriving 11 January 1946 for inactivation. "Coos Bay" was placed out of commission in reserve 30 April 1946, and was lent to the U.S. Coast Guard 5 January 1949.

On loan to the Coast Guard

"Coos Bay" was loaned to the U.S. Coast Guard, 5 January 1949 and commissioned USCGC Coos Bay (WAVP-376), 4 May 1949. She was redesignated High Endurance Cutter (WHEC-376), date unknown.

Final decommissioning

"Coos Bay" was decommissioned, 1 September 1966, at Curtis Bay, Maryland, and was struck from the Naval Register (date unknown). In 1968 she was towed to sea from Curtis Bay and sunk as a bombing target.

Military awards and honors

"Coos Bay" received two battle stars for World War II service.

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