USS Elkhart (APA-80)

USS "Elkhart" (APA-80) was a "Gilliam"-class attack transport that served with the US Navy during World War II. Commissioned late in the war, she was initially assigned to transport duties and consequently did not participate in combat operations.

"Elkhart" was named after a county in Indiana. She was launched 5 December 1944 by Consolidated Steel at Wilmington, California, under a Maritime Commission contract; transferred to the Navy 7 February 1945; and commissioned the following day, Lieutenant Commander C. R. Frazier, USNR, in command.

Operational history

World War II

Sailing from San Diego 3 April 1945, "Elkhart" during her brief war service carried cargo in or out of Eniwetok, Ulithi, Leyte, Peleliu, Guam, and Okinawa. In July she supported the occupation of Kume Shima in Okinawa Gunto.

After hostilities

With the end of hostilities, she made one trip to Tokyo Bay to deliver occupation cargo, then transported 6th Marine Division from Guam to reoccupy Tsingtao, China. Arriving at Haiphong in November, she embarked Chinese troops for transportation to Chinwangtao, then continued on to Jinsen (Inchon) to embark servicemen eligible for discharge upon return home. They reached the Golden Gate 3 January 1946.

Decommission

"Elkhart" was decommissioned at Seattle 12 April and returned to the Maritime Commission 28 June 1946.

References

* [http://www.hazegray.org/danfs/amphib/apa80.htm "Elkhart" (APA-80)] , DANFS Online.
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/03/03080.htm APA-80 "Elkhart"] , Navsource Online.