USS Lyon (AP-71)

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U.S. Navy

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About USS Lyon (AP-71)

USS Lyon (AP-71) was a troop transport ship commissioned by the United States Navy during World War II. Originally built as the commercial liner Mormactide in 1939, she was acquired and converted for military service in 1942. USS Lyon played a crucial role in major amphibious operations, including the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, Salerno, and Southern France, transporting thousands of troops and equipment to combat zones. After distinguished service throughout the war, she was decommissioned in 1946 and returned to commercial operation.

Unit Members

Neil Cudworth

U.S. Navy

USS Lyon (AP-71)View Profile

Photos

A School

U.S. Navy • 1979

Buddies

U.S. Navy

All P-3 retired

VP Squadrons • U.S. Navy • 2024

My book

USS Lawrence DDG-4 • U.S. Navy • 1972

About USS Lyon (AP-71)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Origins: USS Lyon (AP-71) was originally built as the passenger liner Mormactide for Moore-McCormack Lines, launched in 1939 before being acquired by the US Navy in August 1942 and converted into a troop transport. • Class: She was one of the Harris-class attack transports, designed to carry troops and their equipment for amphibious assaults. • Namesake: The ship was named after Lyon County, Kansas, and Lyon County, Iowa, reflecting the Navy's tradition of naming transports after counties. • Operation Torch: USS Lyon participated in the Allied invasion of North Africa (Operation Torch) in November 1942, landing troops near Fedhala, Morocco. • Operation Husky: She was involved in the Allied invasion of Sicily (Operation Husky) in July 1943, transporting and landing US Army units. • Salerno Landings: In September 1943, USS Lyon took part in the Salerno landings (Operation Avalanche), facing enemy air attacks while offloading troops and equipment. • Normandy Landings: On D-Day, June 6, 1944, she transported elements of the US 1st Infantry Division for the Omaha Beach assault in Normandy, France. • Multiple Theaters: After her service in Europe, USS Lyon was reassigned to the Pacific, where she supported operations in Luzon and Okinawa. • Post-war Duties: Following Japan’s surrender, she participated in Operation Magic Carpet, repatriating American troops from the Pacific back to the United States. • Decommissioning: USS Lyon was decommissioned on June 3, 1946, and returned to her original owner, resuming commercial service before eventually being scrapped in 1966.