USS Newberry (APA-158)

USS "Newberry" (APA-158) was a "Haskell"-class attack transport acquired by the U.S. Navy during World War II for the task of transporting troops to and from combat areas.

"Newberry" ("APA–158") was laid down under Maritime Commission contract 10 June 1944 by Oregon Shipbuilding Corp., Portland, Oregon; launched 24 August 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Joseph M. McDonald; acquired by the Navy on a loan-charter basis 6 October 1944; and commissioned the next day, Comdr. David R. Phoebus in command.

World War II service

Newberry conducted shakedown off the U.S. West Coast, then departed San Francisco, California, for Hawaii, where she conducted final training in amphibious operations. On 31 December 1944 she embarked units of the U.S. 4th Marine Division, and the following month left Pearl Harbor for the invasion of Iwo Jima. For 10 days following D-day, 17 February 1945, the attack transport landed her Marines and took on a total of 439 wounded. Speedy medical attention doubtless saved many from certain death. "Newberry" departed Iwo for Guam on the 27th. Sailing via Saipan, she embarked part of the U.S. 2d Marine Division at Guam on 8 March, and on the 27th, got underway for the Okinawa operation. Standing in reserve, her troops were not needed; and she returned them to Saipan in April. "Newberry" remained there until early in June, then sailed to Espiritu Santo for supplies. She returned to Guam 2 July and sailed for San Francisco less than two weeks later, arriving on the 27th.

End-of-war operations

The attack transport departed the U.S. West Coast 12 August, carrying replacement troops to the Philippines. At Leyte she took on Army units destined for occupation duty in the Japanese home islands, debarked them at Aomori, Honshū, and began “Operation Magic Carpet” duty. She sailed 29 September for Iwo Jima, where she took on 2,500 passengers for Saipan. Exchanging these for another 2,300 veterans, she stood out from Saipan for San Francisco, arriving 24 October. Two weeks later she headed for Okinawa with replacements, and returned to California with still another full load of veterans.

Post-war decommissioning

"Decommissioning 21 February 1946," Newberry was returned to the War Shipping Administration (WSA) 3 March at Lee Hall, Virginia, and struck from the Navy List 12 March. She was berthed at James River, Virginia, as part of the National Defense Reserve Fleet and is presumed scrapped (date unknown).

She was scrapped in 1983.

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships
* World War II

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/n4/newberry.htm USS Newberry]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/03/03158.htm NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive - APA-158 Newberry]