About this Unit
USS Knudson (APD-101) was a high-speed transport commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944 during World War II. Originally laid down as a destroyer escort (DE-591), she was converted to a Crosley-class fast transport to support amphibious operations. Knudson served in the Pacific Theater, notably participating in the Okinawa campaign, where she performed escort and patrol duties. After the war, she aided in occupation efforts in Japan and China before being decommissioned in 1946.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Knudson (APD-101) was named in honor of Ensign John J. Knudson, a naval aviator killed in action during the Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942.
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Original Designation: The ship was initially laid down as DE-591, a Rudderow-class destroyer escort, before being converted to a high-speed transport (APD).
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Launch and Commissioning: Knudson was launched on 8 February 1944 and commissioned on 25 March 1945, entering service during the final months of World War II.
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Pacific Theater Service: She served primarily in the Pacific, supporting amphibious operations and transporting Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs), the predecessors of the Navy SEALs.
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Occupation Duty: After Japan’s surrender, Knudson participated in the occupation of Japan, landing American troops at Wakayama and providing security in the area.
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Operation “Magic Carpet”: The ship played a role in Operation Magic Carpet, the massive effort to return American servicemen home after the end of World War II.
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Mothball Fleet: After the war, Knudson was decommissioned and placed in reserve at Green Cove Springs, Florida, as part of the Atlantic Reserve Fleet.
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Korean War Service: Reactivated in 1953, Knudson provided training support for Underwater Demolition Teams and participated in amphibious exercises along the U.S. East Coast and Caribbean.
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Final Fate: Knudson was decommissioned for the last time in 1959 and struck from the Navy list in 1964. She was sold for scrap in 1966.
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Legacy: Though her service was relatively brief, USS Knudson’s role supported pioneering amphibious and special operations tactics that influenced modern naval warfare.
