USS Hamblen (APA-114)

USS "Hamblen" (APA-114) was a sclass|Bayfield|attack transport that served with the US Navy during World War II.

"Hamblen" was launched under Maritime Commission contract by Ingalls Shipbuilding of Pascagoula, Mississippi, 30 July 1944, and commissioned after conversion 12 June 1945, Captain G. M. Wauchope in command.

Operational history

After shakedown training out of Galveston, "Hamblen" loaded passengers and cargo at New Orleans and arrived San Juan, Puerto Rico, 25 July 1945. There she embarked a contingent of Puerto Rican army troops and steamed westward 26 July for Hawaii, via the Panama Canal.

After hostilities

Shortly after her arrival 11 August, the war ended, and "Hamblen" took up the task of bringing replacement troops into the forward areas and transporting veterans back to the United States. Embarking Marines at Hilo, "Hamblen" sailed for Japan via Saipan, unloading her troops nearTokyo 22 September 1945. Subsequently, she made voyages to Lingayen Gulf and Manila bringing occupation troops into Japan, and departedWakayama 5 November for Saipan.

Operation Magic Carpet

At Saipan, "Hamblen" took returning servicemen on board as part of Operation Magic Carpet, the giant operation which accomplished the task of bringing home American servicemen. From Saipan she sailed eastward to San Pedro, California, arriving there 24 November 1945.

"Hamblen" made one more voyage for Magic Carpet, arriving at Okinawa 26 December and arriving Tacoma, Washington, 17 January 1946. The ship was designated for return to the Maritime Commission, released 23 January 1946, and sailed to the Canal Zone, where she arrived 22 February. "Hamblen" continued to Norfolk, Virginia where she decommissioned 1 May 1946. Six days later she was returned to the Maritime Commission.

Commercial service

In 1948 the vessel was sold to Isthmian Lines whom she served as merchant ship "Steel Voyager." The ship was scrapped in 1973.

References

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* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/03/03114.htm APA-114 "Hamblen"] , Navsource Online