About this Unit
USS Rockwall (APA-230) was a Haskell-class attack transport commissioned by the United States Navy in December 1944. During World War II, she participated in the Pacific Theater, transporting troops, cargo, and equipment to key locations such as Okinawa and the Philippines. After the war, Rockwall assisted in Operation Magic Carpet, repatriating American servicemen from the Pacific back to the United States. She was decommissioned in 1947 and placed in reserve until her eventual scrapping in 1982.
Historical Facts
• Namesake: USS Rockwall (APA-230) was named after Rockwall County, Texas, following the tradition of naming attack transports after counties in the United States.
• Class and Type: She was a Haskell-class attack transport, a type of vessel specially designed to carry troops and their equipment for amphibious assaults during World War II.
• Launch & Commission: USS Rockwall was launched on 15 October 1944 by Kaiser Shipyards in Vancouver, Washington, and commissioned on 14 November 1944.
• World War II Service: She participated in the final stages of the Pacific War, transporting troops and cargo to key locations such as Okinawa and the Philippines.
• Operation Magic Carpet: After the war, Rockwall was part of "Operation Magic Carpet," the massive effort to bring American servicemen home from the Pacific.
• Nuclear Test Support: In 1946, USS Rockwall served as a support ship during "Operation Crossroads," the famous atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll.
• Decommissioning & Reserve: The ship was decommissioned in 1947 and placed in the National Defense Reserve Fleet, but was later recommissioned for service during the Korean War.
• Korean War Service: During the Korean War, she was reactivated and served primarily in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, participating in training and troop transport missions.
• Final Fate: USS Rockwall was finally decommissioned in 1955 and struck from the Navy List in 1960. She was sold for scrap in 1981.
• Crew Experience: Former crew members have shared stories of enduring kamikaze attacks, rough seas, and the emotional reunions during Operation Magic Carpet, highlighting the vessel's role in both combat and peacetime operations.
