USS Okanogan (APA-220)

• Namesake: USS Okanogan (APA-220) was named after Okanogan County in Washington State, following the tradition of naming Haskell-class attack transports after counties in the United States. • Haskell-Class Attack Transport: She was one of the 117 Haskell-class attack transports built for the U.S. Navy during World War II, designed to carry troops and their equipment for amphibious assaults. • World War II Service: Commissioned in December 1944, USS Okanogan participated in the final phases of World War II, including transporting replacement troops and cargo to the Pacific war zones. • Okinawa Campaign: Okanogan played a critical role in the Okinawa campaign, landing troops and supplies under threat of enemy air attacks and kamikaze raids in April 1945. • Operation Magic Carpet: After World War II, Okanogan was assigned to Operation Magic Carpet, repatriating thousands of American servicemen from the Pacific back to the United States. • Korean War Action: Reactivated for the Korean War, Okanogan transported troops and equipment to support UN forces, participating in the Inchon landings and other key amphibious operations. • Vietnam War Support: USS Okanogan served during the Vietnam War, carrying Marines and Army units to and from Vietnam, and supporting amphibious operations along the coast. • Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat roles, Okanogan was involved in humanitarian missions, such as evacuating refugees and civilians during various crises in Asia. • Decorations: The ship received several awards for her service, including battle stars for World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. • Decommissioning and Fate: USS Okanogan was decommissioned in 1970 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1976. She was eventually sold for scrapping, ending her long and distinguished service.