USS Brule (APA-66)

USS "Brule" (APA-66) was a "Gilliam"-class attack transport that served with the US Navy during World War II. Arriving late in the war, she was initially assigned to transport missions and consequently did not participate in any combat operations.

"Brule" was named after a county in South Dakota. She was launched 30 June 1944 by Consolidated Steel at Wilmington, California, under a Maritime Commission contract; sponsored by Miss Patricia Moreell, daughter of Vice Admiral Ben Moreell; acquired 31 October 1944; and commissioned the same day, Commander E. Fluhr, USNR, in command.

Operational history

World War II

"Brule" joined Transport Squadron 16 and departed San Pedro 26 November 1944 for Pearl Harbor. Between December 1944 and March 1945 she conducted training exercises in the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands. From April 1945 until the cessation of hostilities "Brule" carried troops and supplies between various bases in the Bonins, Marianas, Marshalls, Philippines, and Solomons.

After hostilites

After the war's end, "Brule" operated with the 7th Fleet during the occupation of Korea and China. In November 1945 "Brule" became a unit of the Operation Magic Carpet fleet, tasked with bringing returning servicemen home from the war.

Operation Crossroads

While at Yokosuka, during one of her voyages, "Brule" was ordered to prepare for assignment to the target fleet for Operation Crossroads, the atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll. She completed her run from Yokosuka to Pearl Harbor and then commenced preparation for the operation. "Brule" survived the atomic bomb tests at Bikini and following the test period was decommissioned and maintained for radiological and structural studies. She was destroyed by sinking 11 May 1948.

References

* [http://www.hazegray.org/danfs/amphib/apa66.htm "Brule" (APA-66)] , DANFS Online.
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/03/03066.htm APA-66 "Brule"] , Navsource Online.