USS Benewah (APB-35)

• Namesake: USS Benewah (APB-35) was named after Benewah County in Idaho, following the U.S. Navy tradition of naming barracks ships after counties. • Class and Type: She was the lead ship of the Benewah-class barracks ships, designed to provide accommodations for troops and headquarters facilities. • World War II Service: Commissioned in March 1946, Benewah missed World War II service but was active during the immediate post-war period. • Korean War: Reactivated for the Korean War, she served as a barracks and headquarters ship, supporting United Nations forces in Korea. • Vietnam War Flagship: Benewah played a significant role in the Vietnam War, serving as the flagship for the Mobile Riverine Force (Task Force 117) in the Mekong Delta. • Floating Headquarters: She functioned not only as living quarters for sailors and soldiers but also as a floating command post, providing communications, planning, and medical facilities. • Multiple Awards: The ship and her crew received several commendations, including the Navy Unit Commendation and multiple campaign stars for Vietnam service. • Unique Nickname: Due to her vital role and versatility, she was sometimes affectionately referred to as "The Mother Ship" by riverine forces. • Final Decommissioning: After extensive service, Benewah was finally decommissioned on 30 September 1970 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1977. • International Fate: In 1977, the ship was transferred to the Republic of the Philippines, where she continued service as RPS/APB-35 until being disposed of in the 1980s.