USS Beaverhead (AK-161)

USS Beaverhead (AK-161) was an "Alamosa"-class cargo ship commissioned by the U.S. Navy for service in World War II. She was responsible for delivering troops, goods and equipment to locations in the war zone.

"Beaverhead" (AK 161) was laid down on 15 June 1944 at Richmond, California, by Kaiser Cargo, Inc., under a Maritime Commission contract (MC hull 2106); launched on 2 September 1944; sponsored by Mrs. T. H. Purdom, Jr.; and commissioned on 3 January 1945, Lt. Comdr. Olin F. Weymouth, USNR, in command.

World War II Pacific Theatre operations

The cargo ship fitted out at the Naval Supply Depot at Oakland, California, and then underwent a brief conversion at the Naval Sea Frontier Base, Treasure Island, California. "Beaverhead" departed the San Francisco Bay area on 22 January bound for San Pedro, California, and shakedown. At the conclusion of that training, she conducted a post shakedown availability at the San Pedro Harbor Boat Co. between 8 and 14 February.

On the 20th, the ship got underway from San Pedro bound for the Admiralty Islands. She arrived at Manus on 15 March but remained only until the 18th, moving via Hollandia in New Guinea to the Philippine Islands. She arrived in Leyte Gulf on 28 March. Over the next eight months, "Beaverhead" plied the waters of the Philippines, supplying various American bases. Although operating principally in that archipelago, the ship on occasion, voyaged to Borneo, Morotai, and Manus.

Heading home for decommissioning

Ultimately, "Beaverhead" sailed for home on 5 December. She transited the Panama Canal on 19 January 1946 and arrived in New York 11 days later. She moved to Norfolk, Virginia, during the second week in February and was decommissioned there on 8 March 1946. The ship was turned over to the Maritime Commission for disposal on 13 March 1946, and her name was struck from the Navy list on 28 March 1946. She was subsequently sold in February 1947. [ [http://www.pmars.imsg.com/detail.asp?Ship=444 PMARS Ship Record Detail - BEAVERHEAD (AK-161) ] ]

Military awards and honors

"Beaverhead’s" crew was eligible for the following medals and campaign ribbons:
* American Campaign Medal
* Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
* World War II Victory Medal

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/#Anchor-Editoria-14954 Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/13/130161.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - AK-161 Beaverhead]