APA220

• Amphibious Vessel: APA-220 was an attack transport ship, officially named USS Rockbridge (APA-220), serving in the United States Navy during and after World War II. • Haskell-Class: The ship belonged to the Haskell-class of attack transports, which were built rapidly during WWII to support large-scale amphibious operations. • Launched in 1944: USS Rockbridge was launched on October 5, 1944, by Permanente Metals Corporation, Richmond, California, and commissioned on November 14, 1944. • Pacific Theater Service: The vessel played a significant role in the Pacific Theater, participating in the Okinawa campaign, which was one of the largest amphibious assaults of the war. • Kamikaze Threat: During the Okinawa operation, APA-220 and her crew faced constant threats from Japanese kamikaze attacks, a defining feature of late-war Pacific battles. • Operation Magic Carpet: After WWII, Rockbridge was assigned to Operation Magic Carpet, transporting returning U.S. servicemen from the Pacific back to the United States. • Korean War Reactivation: The ship was placed in reserve after WWII but was recommissioned for service during the Korean War, reflecting the changing needs of the U.S. Navy. • Cuban Missile Crisis: In October 1962, USS Rockbridge participated in the naval quarantine during the Cuban Missile Crisis, highlighting her continued strategic importance during the Cold War. • Humanitarian Missions: The ship was involved in humanitarian operations, including evacuating refugees and supporting disaster relief efforts, demonstrating the versatility of attack transports. • Final Fate: USS Rockbridge was decommissioned for the last time in 1970 and was eventually sold for scrap in 1983, closing the chapter on nearly three decades of distinguished service.