About this Unit
USS Pine Island (AV-12) was a Currituck-class seaplane tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. She played a vital support role in the final months of World War II, tending seaplanes involved in reconnaissance and rescue missions in the Pacific Theater. After the war, Pine Island participated in Operation Highjump, the U.S. Navy’s Antarctic research expedition from 1946 to 1947. The ship saw service again during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, providing aviation support and logistics before being decommissioned in 1967.
Historical Facts
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Seaplane Tender Legacy: USS Pine Island (AV-12) was a Currituck-class seaplane tender, built to support and maintain seaplanes such as the PBY Catalina and PBM Mariner during World War II and beyond.
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World War II Service: Commissioned in April 1945, Pine Island served in the Pacific Theater, arriving at Okinawa in August 1945 to support air operations right after Japan’s surrender.
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Operation Highjump: In 1946-47, Pine Island participated in the famous U.S. Navy Antarctic expedition, Operation Highjump, providing seaplane support for photographic mapping and exploration.
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Antarctic Firsts: The ship’s crew aided in the first aerial mapping of previously unexplored regions of Antarctica, making history in aviation and polar exploration.
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Korean War Duties: During the Korean War, Pine Island supported reconnaissance and rescue seaplane operations in the Sea of Japan and off the Korean coast.
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Pioneering Helicopter Operations: Pine Island was among the Navy ships experimenting with helicopter operations, marking a transition period in naval aviation.
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Far East Service: She conducted multiple deployments to the Western Pacific, supporting patrol squadrons in Japan, the Philippines, and China during the early Cold War period.
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Humanitarian Missions: The ship assisted in search-and-rescue operations and provided relief during natural disasters, including typhoons in the Pacific.
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Awards and Honors: Pine Island earned two battle stars for her Korean War service and received the Navy Occupation Service Medal for her post-WWII activities.
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Decommissioning and Fate: USS Pine Island was decommissioned in 1967 after over two decades of service, and was eventually sold for scrapping in 1971, closing the chapter on an accomplished naval career.
