USS CALVERT (APA-32)

• Namesake Heritage: USS Calvert (APA-32) was named after Calvert County, Maryland, honoring the historic region founded by the Calvert family in colonial America. • Type and Class: She was a Bayfield-class attack transport, designed to land troops, equipment, and supplies during amphibious assaults. • World War II Service: Commissioned in 1942, Calvert played a vital role in multiple amphibious operations, including the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, and Normandy. • Operation Torch: During the November 1942 invasion of North Africa (Operation Torch), Calvert landed troops at Fedhala, French Morocco, marking her first combat action. • D-Day at Normandy: Calvert participated in the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, landing troops and equipment on Utah Beach as part of the largest seaborne invasion in history. • Pacific Theater Campaigns: After service in Europe, Calvert transferred to the Pacific, taking part in the invasions of Leyte, Luzon, and Okinawa, showcasing remarkable versatility. • Korean War Reactivation: After World War II, Calvert was decommissioned, but she was reactivated for service during the Korean War, transporting troops and supplies to the Far East. • Vietnam War Service: USS Calvert also saw duty during the Vietnam War, supporting logistical operations and troop movements, highlighting her longevity and adaptability. • "Magic Carpet" Operations: After WWII, Calvert participated in Operation Magic Carpet, helping to bring thousands of American servicemen back home from overseas deployment. • Decorations and Honors: Over her long career, USS Calvert earned seven battle stars for her World War II service and additional honors for her contributions during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, underscoring her distinguished legacy.