USS Luna (AKS-7)

USS Luna (AKS-7) was an "Acubens"-class general stores issue ship commissioned by the U.S. Navy for service in World War II. She was responsible for delivering and disbursing goods and equipment to locations in the war zone.

"Luna" (AKS-7) was laid down as "SS Harriet Hosmer" under Maritime Commission contract by J. A. Jones Construction Co., Panama City, Florida, 23 April 1943; launched 30 September 1943; acquired by the Navy 2 November 1948; converted by Tampa Shipbuilding Co., Tampa, Florida ; renamed "Luna" 18 November 1943; and commissioned 31 January 1944, Lt. Comdr. James A. F. Knowlton In command.

World War II operations

"Luna" departed Norfolk, Virginia, 19 March 1944, passed through the Panama Canal, and arrived Pearl Harbor 15 April. After being assigned to ServRon 10, she sailed for her first issue area 19 April, and arrived Majuro Atoll, Marshall Islands, 27 April to service units of the U.S. 5th Fleet. After a short voyage to Kwajalein, she proceeded to Eniwetok 3 June, and returned Pearl Harbor 8 July. She then steamed to Oakland, California, the 6th to reload at the Naval Supply Depot; this was to be her only return to the United States until after the war.

End-of-war activity

From 1944 to 1946, the ship continued servicing the U.S. 3rd Fleet and the U.S. 5th Fleet in the South Pacific. While at Ulithi, Caroline Islands, 24 October 1945, she assisted "Virburnum" (AN-57) who had struck a mine. After successfully completing seven issuing voyages and servicing 1,121 different ships, "Luna" was ordered to Tokyo Bay 25 September 1945 to load for the final voyage home.

Post-war decommissioning

She arrived San Francisco, California, 28 December, and returned to Pearl Harbor, where she decommissioned 28 April 1946. She was then towed back to San Francisco and delivered to the Maritime Commission 21 May 1947.

Military awards and honors

Luna’s crew was eligible for the following medals:
* American Campaign Medal
* Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
* World War II Victory Medal
* Navy Occupation Service Medal (with Asia clasp)

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/09/16/1607.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - AKS-7 Luna]