About this Unit
USS Point Cruz (CVE-119) was a Commencement Bay-class escort carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Initially serving as a training and transport carrier at the end of World War II, she was decommissioned in 1947 but recommissioned during the Korean War in 1951. During her Korean War service, Point Cruz operated as an aircraft transport and training carrier, providing critical air support and ferrying aircraft to forward areas. After the war, she participated in various missions, including Operation "Passage to Freedom" in Vietnam, before being decommissioned in 1969.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Point Cruz (CVE-119) was named after the Battle of Point Cruz, an engagement during the Guadalcanal Campaign in World War II, reflecting her connection to significant Pacific theater operations.
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Commencement: The ship was launched on 18 December 1945 by Todd-Pacific Shipyards in Tacoma, Washington, and commissioned into service on 16 October 1946, too late for WWII combat.
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Class: She was a Commencement Bay-class escort carrier, a class designed for anti-submarine warfare and air support, notable for improved stability and larger air groups compared to earlier escort carriers.
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Post-WWII Role: After a brief period of service post-WWII, she was placed in reserve in 1947, reflecting the rapid demobilization of the U.S. Navy after the war.
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Korean War Service: Reactivated for the Korean War in 1951, USS Point Cruz operated as an aircraft transport and training ship, supporting United Nations forces by ferrying aircraft and personnel.
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Hunter-Killer Group: She was converted to a hunter-killer carrier (CVHE-119) in 1953, focusing on anti-submarine warfare operations during the Cold War, a vital role in countering the Soviet submarine threat.
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Operation Platform: In 1953, she participated in "Operation Platform," evacuating wounded French troops from Vietnam following the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, highlighting her humanitarian and logistical capabilities.
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Redesignation: The ship underwent several redesignations: originally CVE-119, then CVHE-119 (escort helicopter carrier), and later AKV-19 (aircraft ferry), showing her versatile operational history.
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Decommissioning: USS Point Cruz was finally decommissioned on 31 August 1969 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1970, ending a career that spanned key events of the mid-20th century.
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Legacy: While never seeing direct combat, USS Point Cruz played crucial support roles in the Korean War, Cold War anti-submarine efforts, and humanitarian missions, exemplifying the adaptability and value of escort carriers in the U.S. Navy.
