USS Menifee (APA-202)

• Namesake: USS Menifee (APA-202) was named after Menifee County, Kentucky, following the tradition of naming attack transports after counties in the United States. • Class and Type: She was a Haskell-class attack transport, part of the Victory ship design, built specifically for amphibious warfare during World War II. • Construction: Menifee was laid down on 21 July 1944 by the Kaiser Shipyards in Vancouver, Washington, and launched on 27 September 1944—a remarkably fast construction period typical for wartime needs. • World War II Service: She participated in the pivotal Okinawa campaign, landing troops and equipment under threat from enemy air attacks and kamikazes in April 1945. • Troop Transport: Throughout her service, Menifee carried thousands of troops, including the 7th Infantry Division, and vital supplies to the Pacific Theater. • Operation Magic Carpet: After the war, Menifee took part in Operation Magic Carpet, the massive effort to bring American servicemen home from the Pacific. • Korean War Service: Menifee was recommissioned for the Korean War, transporting Marines and Army units to and from combat zones, including Inchon and Pusan. • Humanitarian Role: During her service, she also transported refugees, particularly during Korean War evacuations, showcasing the Navy’s role in humanitarian crises. • Decommissioning and Fate: She was finally decommissioned in 1955 and remained in the reserve fleet until sold for scrap in 1973, marking nearly three decades of service and standby. • Awards: For her service, USS Menifee earned one battle star for World War II and two battle stars for the Korean War, recognizing her contributions to major amphibious operations.