USS Point Cruz (CVE-119)

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.