About this Unit
USS Haven (AH-12) was a Haven-class hospital ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. She served in the Pacific near the end of World War II, providing medical care to wounded servicemen and participating in the postwar occupation of Japan. During the Korean War, USS Haven played a crucial role by treating thousands of casualties off the Korean Peninsula. After her distinguished service, the ship was decommissioned in 1957 and later served as a civilian hospital ship before being scrapped in the 1980s.
Historical Facts
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Hospital Ship Service: USS Haven (AH-12) was a Haven-class hospital ship commissioned by the US Navy during World War II, serving as a floating hospital for wounded military personnel.
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Launched in 1944: Haven was launched on 24 July 1944 and commissioned on 5 May 1945, just months before the end of World War II.
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Pacific Theater Operations: USS Haven primarily served in the Pacific, providing crucial medical care during the final stages of World War II, including at Okinawa and post-war Japan.
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Operation Magic Carpet: After the war, Haven participated in Operation Magic Carpet, helping to repatriate thousands of American servicemen from the Pacific back to the United States.
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Korean War Service: Reactivated for the Korean War, USS Haven treated thousands of wounded soldiers and became one of the busiest hospital ships during the conflict.
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Atomic Testing Support: Haven was present at Bikini Atoll during Operation Crossroads in 1946, prepared to provide medical assistance during atomic bomb tests.
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Medical Innovations: As a modern hospital ship of her time, USS Haven was equipped with state-of-the-art surgical suites, X-ray facilities, and could accommodate over 700 patients.
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Humanitarian Missions: Apart from combat operations, Haven also provided humanitarian aid and medical care to civilians in post-war Japan and Korea.
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Decommissioning and Later Use: USS Haven was finally decommissioned in 1957, but her hulk was later used as a floating hospital in Long Beach, California, under the name "Pacific Hospital."
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Notable Honors: The ship and her crew received multiple commendations for their service, including battle stars for World War II and Korean War service.
