USS Octavia (AF-46)

USS "Octavia" (AF-46) was an "Adria"-class stores ship acquired by the U.S. Navy for service in World War II. Her task was to carry stores, refrigerated items, and equipment to ships in the fleet, and to remote stations and staging areas.

"Octavia" was laid down as MC Hull 2338 under a Maritime Commission contract 22 November 1944 by Pennsylvania Shipyards, Inc., Beaumont, Texas; named "Octavia" 6 December 1944; launched 18 January 1945; sponsored by Mrs. J. Linscott; acquired by the Navy on loan charter from the Maritime Commission 31 May 1945; and commissioned 19 June 1945, Lt. Frank P. Benson in command.

World War II service

Upon completion of shakedown, "Octavia" departed Galveston, Texas, 12 July 1945 for Pearl Harbor, sailing via the Panama Canal and San Pedro, California. From the end of August to the first week in December, she made two round trips between the big Hawaiian base and the Marshall Islands. "Octavia" returned to the U.S. West Coast for upkeep, arriving at Seattle, Washington, on 18 December. On 8 January 1946, with a full load of stores, she sailed to Subic Bay, Manila, and Samar in the Philippines, returning to Seattle on 26 March. Following two final trips to Pearl Harbor, "Octavia" arrived in San Francisco Bay 30 May.

Decommissioning

Decommissioned 12 August, "Octavia" was turned over to the War Shipping Administration the same day and was struck from the Navy List 8 October. Renamed "Yardarm Knot", she was berthed at Suisun Bay, California, as part of the Maritime Administration Reserve Fleet. In 1972, she was sold by the Maritime Administration to Yardarm Knot Inc. and converted into fish factory ship. Current Disposition: active as a fish factory, homeported at Seattle, Washington.

Military awards and honors

"Octavia’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
* Cargo ship

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/#Anchor-Editoria-14954 Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/06/0646.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - AF-46 Octavia]