About this Unit
USNS General J.C. Breckinridge (T-AP-176) was a P2-S2-R2 class transport ship built for the U.S. Navy during World War II and named in honor of General Joseph Cabell Breckinridge. Commissioned in 1945, she initially served as a troop transport, repatriating American servicemembers from the Pacific after the war. During the Korean War, the Breckinridge played a crucial role in transporting troops, equipment, and refugees, earning multiple battle stars for her service. Later reclassified as USNS under the Military Sea Transportation Service, she continued in active service until her decommissioning in 1965.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: The ship was named after U.S. Army General John C. Breckinridge, who served as the 14th Vice President of the United States and later as a Confederate general during the American Civil War.
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Original Designation: Launched in 1945 as SS Marine Lion, she was initially constructed as a transport ship for the U.S. Maritime Commission.
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Military Service: Acquired by the U.S. Army and renamed USAT General J. C. Breckinridge, she became a U.S. Navy ship (T-AP-176) in 1948 and was designated USNS General J. C. Breckinridge.
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Korean War Role: Played a vital role during the Korean War, transporting troops, dependents, and refugees, including participation in the famous “Hungnam Evacuation” in December 1950.
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Dependents’ Ship: Known as the “Baby Ship” during the 1950s due to the large number of military families and children it transported to and from overseas assignments, especially to Japan and the Far East.
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Cold War Activity: Supported U.S. military operations throughout the Pacific during the Cold War, routinely shuttling personnel and supplies between the U.S., Japan, Korea, and other bases.
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Vietnam War Service: Continued service into the Vietnam War era, transporting troops and dependents as American military involvement in Southeast Asia expanded.
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Medical Facility: Outfitted with medical facilities to handle sick and wounded personnel during her service, providing care during long transoceanic voyages.
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Decommissioning: Placed out of service and transferred to the Maritime Administration in 1967; she was subsequently scrapped in 1987 after over 40 years of service.
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Honors and Recognition: The ship received multiple campaign stars for Korean War service and is remembered for her humanitarian missions, including evacuations and family reunifications.
