About this Unit
USS Chilton (APA-38) was a Bayfield-class attack transport commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. During World War II, she played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater, participating in major amphibious operations including the invasions of Leyte, Luzon, and Okinawa. After the war, Chilton supported occupation duties in Japan and later served as a troop transport during the Korean War. She continued her service through the 1950s before being decommissioned in 1967.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Chilton (APA-38) was named after Chilton County, Alabama, following the US Navy’s tradition of naming attack transports after counties.
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Class and Role: She was a BAYFIELD-class attack transport, designed to carry troops, landing craft, and equipment in amphibious assaults during World War II.
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World War II Service: Commissioned on 7 October 1943, USS Chilton participated in several critical Pacific campaigns, including the invasions of Saipan, Leyte, and Okinawa.
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Saipan Invasion: During the invasion of Saipan (June 1944), the Chilton landed Marines under heavy Japanese fire and evacuated casualties, demonstrating the ship's dual combat and medical support roles.
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Kamikaze Threat: While off Okinawa in April 1945, USS Chilton faced the intense threat of kamikaze attacks, but she successfully completed her mission without suffering serious damage.
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Postwar Occupation Duties: After Japan's surrender, Chilton transported occupation troops to Japan and helped repatriate Allied prisoners of war.
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Operation "Magic Carpet": Chilton participated in this massive postwar operation, bringing returning American service members home from the Pacific.
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Cold War Service: The ship returned to active service during the Korean War and the early Cold War, participating in amphibious exercises and Mediterranean deployments with the US 6th Fleet.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: In 1962, USS Chilton was mobilized as part of the US naval blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis, demonstrating her continued strategic value.
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Decommissioning and Fate: After over two decades of service, USS Chilton was decommissioned in 1968 and sold for scrap in 1972, having earned five battle stars for her World War II service.
