USS Kopara (AK-62)

USS Kopara (AK-62) was an "Kopara"-class cargo ship commissioned by the U.S. Navy for service in World War II. She was responsible for delivering goods and equipment to locations in the war zone.

"Kopara" (AK-62) was built in 1938 by Henry Robb Limited,Leith, Scotland; purchased in early August 1942 from her owner, Richardson & Co.,Napier, New Zealand, through the New Zealand Government; and commissioned 21 September 1942 at Auckland, Lt. (j.g.) H. R. Greeley in command.

World War II South Pacific operations

Reclassified as AG-50 on 23 September, "Kopara" departed Auckland 5 October for supply runs from Noumea, New Caledonia, and Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides, to Guadalcanal and Tulagi, Solomons. Arriving Noumea 9 October, she steamed on the 14th for Espiritu Santo to take on board supplies for the embattled American force on Guadalcanal.

Delivering supplies while under attack

Loaded with torpedoes and general cargo and escorted by "Nicholas" (DD-449), she departed 19 October. "Kopara" arrived Lunga Roads during midwatch 22 October and began unloading operations which were completed that evening despite harassing gunfire from enemy shore batteries and a noon attack by Japanese dive bombers. Protected by "Nicholas", "Kopara" departed Guadalcanal undamaged and returned to Noumea 27 October.

Unloading supplies while a naval battle rages

During the next few months, "Kopara" continued supply runs to the Solomons; and, while she unloaded at Guadalcanal and Tulagi 13 through 15 November, American battleships, cruisers, and destroyers fought the enemy in two fierce night naval battles off Savo Island. From 20 February to 26 June 1943, she carried cargo along the sea lanes between Auckland, Noumea, Efate, and Espiritu Santo. And from 11 July to 17 September she shuttled supplies between New Zealand and Norfolk Island.

More peaceful operations

After a voyage to the New Hebrides, "Kopara" departed Noumea 10 November to resume supply duty in the Solomons. She reached New Georgia 16 November; and, for almost 8 months, ranged the waters of Melanesia from Bougainville to New Caledonia bringing supplies to forces which loosened the enemy's hold on the Bismarck Archipelago and New Guinea. Returning to New Caledonia 7 August 1944, she began supply runs eastward out of Noumea. Between 10 August and 21 December she made four voyages to Fiji, American Samoa, and the Ellice Islands. She departed Noumea 24 December and steamed via Norfolk Island to Auckland 3 January 1945.

Post-war decommissioning

"Kopara" decommissioned 12 January and was turned over to the New Zealand Joint Purchasing Board for return to her previous owner, Richardson & Company, Napier. "Kopara" operated under several names after World War II including "SS Sarang" in 1966, "SS Cherry Chepat" in 1970, and "SS See Hai Hong" in January of 1987. Final Disposition: broken up in 1987.

Military awards and honors

"Kopara" received one battle star for World War II service. Her crew was eligible for the following medals:
* American Campaign Medal
* Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (1 star)
* World War II Victory Medal

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships
* World War II

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/#Anchor-Editoria-14954 Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/49/49050.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - AK-62 /AG-50 Kopara]