USS Kodiak (LSM-161)

USS "LSM-161" was a "LSM-1" Class Landing Ship Medium built for the U.S. Navy during World War II. Like many of her class, she was not originally named and was properly referred to by her hull designation for much of her service life.

World War II

"LSM-161" was laid down 3 June 1944 by Charleston Navy Yard, Charleston, South Carolina; launched 27 June 1944; and commissioned 16 August 1944, Lieutenant Joseph M. Gresser in command.

After serving at Little Creek, Virginia, as a training ship for more than 5 months, "LSM-161" departed Newport, Rhode Island, 23 February 1945 for the West Coast, arriving San Diego, California 23 March. Departing 28 April for the Pacific Theatre, she arrived Saipan 6 June; then commenced supply operations in the Far East. For the remaining months of World War II, "LSM-161" shuttled troops and cargo among the Philippines, Okinawa, and the Marianas. Following the Allied victory in the Pacific, the medium landing ship supported occupation forces in the Western Pacific until she sailed for the United States 12 December. Arriving San Pedro, California, 12 January 1946, "LSM-161" remained along the West Coast; and decommissioned at Vancouver, Washington, 8 June 1946.

Korean War

When the Korean conflict called for additional naval logistic support, "LSM-161" recommissioned 6 September 1950 and was assigned to LSM Division 12 out of San Diego. She operated off southern California until 11 February 1952 when she sailed for the Western Pacific. Arriving Yokosuka, Japan 26 March, she commenced supply and transport operations in support of U.S. forces in Korea. Sailing to Pusan, Korea in mid-April, the landing ship embarked prisoners-of-war and transported them to Koje Do. She continued operations between Japan and South Korea until she departed Yokosuka, 20 September for the United States.

USS Kodiak

Following operations out of San Diego, "LSM-161" sailed for Kodiak, Alaska, 16 June 1953. Arriving there 1 week later, she became a logistics support ship for the Alaskan area. From 1953 to 1965 she provided services for VP Squadrons at Kodiak; performed search and rescue missions; and made frequent resupply cruises to the Adak Naval Station. "LSM-161" was named USS "Kodiak" 14 October 1959.

"Kodiak" also participated in the Good Friday Earthquake relief operations from March to May 1964 by shuttling supplies to remote villages on the island of Kodiak. Later that summer she assisted the American Red Cross in earthquake relief work by carrying supplies and household furnishings to devastated areas.

After many years of naval service and a veteran of 2 wars, "Kodiak" decommissioned for the last time 19 April 1965 and was struck from the Navy List 1 June 1965. She was sold for scrapping, 14 August 1972, to Tien Hsin Hong.

Awards

"LSM-161" received:
(retroactive)

References

*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/k5/kodiak-i.htm

External links

* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/14/14161.htm navsource.org: USS "Kodiak"] "(Note: Non-Public domain images of the USS Kodiak are available here.)"