About this Unit
USS Greenwich Bay (AVP-41) was a Barnegat-class small seaplane tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Shortly after World War II, she served primarily in the Atlantic and later became the flagship of the U.S. Navy’s Middle East Force, conducting goodwill visits, diplomatic missions, and seaplane support operations throughout the Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean, and North Africa. Greenwich Bay played a significant role in fostering U.S. relations with Middle Eastern countries during the early years of the Cold War. The vessel was decommissioned in 1966 after more than two decades of distinguished service.
Historical Facts
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Seaplane Tender Service: USS Greenwich Bay (AVP-41) was a Barnegat-class small seaplane tender, commissioned by the US Navy in May 1945, near the end of World War II. She was designed to support seaplane operations, providing fuel, supplies, and maintenance.
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Named After Greenwich Bay: The ship was named after Greenwich Bay in Rhode Island, following the US Navy tradition of naming seaplane tenders after bays and sounds.
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World War II Missed Action: Greenwich Bay was commissioned too late to participate in World War II combat operations, but she was utilized during the final months for shakedown and training.
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Flagship of the Middle East Force: From 1949 to 1966, she served as the flagship for the US Navy’s Middle East Force, conducting annual deployments to the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean.
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“White Ship” Nickname: Greenwich Bay and her sister ships—USS Duxbury Bay and USS Valcour—earned the nickname “The White Ships” for their distinctive white paint during diplomatic and goodwill missions in the Middle East and Africa.
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Humanitarian Missions: The ship took part in several humanitarian efforts, including providing medical assistance, disaster relief, and supporting US embassies and consulates in the region.
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Presidential Visit: USS Greenwich Bay hosted President Dwight D. Eisenhower during his Goodwill Tour of the Middle East in December 1959, serving as a floating embassy.
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Cold War Diplomacy: The ship played a key role in US diplomatic relations during the early Cold War, visiting over 50 ports in 30 different countries and hosting dignitaries from across the Middle East and Africa.
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Vietnam War Service: In addition to her Middle East role, Greenwich Bay briefly served off Vietnam in 1966, supporting seaplane operations during the conflict.
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Decommissioning and Fate: She was decommissioned in October 1966 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in November 1966. Eventually, the ship was sold for scrap in 1967, ending her distinguished career.
