USS Effingham (APA-165)

USS "Effingham" (APA-165) 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.

World War II service

"Effingham" ("APA-165") was launched 29 September 1944 by Oregon Shipbuilding Corp., Portland, Oregon, under a Maritime Commission contract; sponsored by Mrs. J. C. Casada; transferred to the Navy 19 July 1944; and commissioned 1 November 1944, Commander C. H. McLaughlin, USNR, in command.

Landing troops and supplies at Okinawa

Sailing from San Francisco, California, 2 January 1945, "Effingham" trained at Guadalcanal with the 1st Marines, then staged at Ulithi for the invasion landings on Okinawa 1 April. For 6 days she remained off the island, unloading her cargo and fighting off enemy air attacks. She returned to San Francisco for overhaul, then arrived back at Okinawa 12 August.

End-of-war operations

With the end of the war, she transported troops to Jinsen, Korea, and Taku, China, for the reoccupation of those countries. In October and November she embarked Chinese troops at Hong Kong for transfer to Chinwangtao and Tsingtao. She returned to the U.S. west coast in December bringing home servicemen, and after a similar voyage to the Far East on "Operation Magic Carpet" duty, sailed for the U.S. East Coast.

Post-war decommissioning

She was decommissioned at Norfolk, Virginia, 17 May 1946, and returned to the Maritime Commission for disposal 3 days later.

Military awards and honors

"Effingham" received one battle star for World War II service.

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships
* World War II

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/e2/effingham.htm USS Effingham]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/03/03165.htm NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive - APA-165 Effingham]