USS Goshen (APA-108)

USS "Goshen" (APA-108) was a "Bayfield" class attack transport that served with the US Navy during World War II.

"Goshen", originally "Sea Hare", was laid down by Western Pipe & Steel under a Maritime Commission contract on 31 January 1944; launched 29 June, acquired by thc Navy 13 December and commissioned the same day, Captain Carroll T. Bonney in command.

Operational history

After shakedown along the California coast, "Goshen" departed Long Beach 4 February 1945, for additional combat and amphibious training in the Hawaiian Islands. Embarking over 1,400 troops and officers at Honolulu, she departed there for duty in the Western Pacific. "Goshen" made brief stops at Ulithi and Eniwetok before proceeding to the Okinawa area where the bitter campaign to secure that Japanese-held fortress was already underway.

Okinawa

The transport arrived off Hagushi beaches Okinawa on 17 April and immediately commenced disembarking troops and unloading cargo. "Goshen" completed her task 5 days later and sailed for Saipan arriving there on the 27th. After loading mail and passengers at Saipan, Russell, Florida, and New Hebrides Islands, she sailed for the United States 18 May, arriving San Francisco 3 June.

After hostilities

"Goshen" made another cruise to the Western Pacific in July carrying troops and cargo for the final month of the war. She was at Saipan when news of the Japanese acceptance of surrender terms was received. After the war "Goshen" operated between the Philippines and Japan for the next 4 months as she shuttled occupation troops and cargo among the Islands.

Operation Magic Carpet

During December the transport joined the growing number of ships engaged in Operation Magic Carpet - an organized project to bring the war veterans back home immediately. On 10 December she steamed out of Sasebo with over 1,400 America bound Marines, finally arriving San Diego on the 28th.

In late January 1946 "Goshen" departed the West Coast arriving Lynnhaven Roads, Virginia, 12 February. She decommissioned at Norfolk 20 April and was delivered to WSA 2 May 1946.

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

Commercial service

"Goshen" was sold in 1947 to American Mail Lines Ltd., re-registered in Portland, Oregon and renamed "Canada Mail". In 1963 her name was changed to "California Mail".

In 1968 she was sold to Waterman Steamship, re-registered in New York and her name changed to "La Fayette".

She remained in service with Waterman Steamship until 1973, when she was taken to Kaohsiung, Taiwan and scrapped in August of that year.

References

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* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/03/03108.htm USS "Goshen" (APA-108)] , Navsource Online
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