About this Unit
The USS Skagit (AKA-105) was a Tolland-class attack cargo ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. She served in the closing months of World War II, transporting cargo and supporting occupation forces in the Pacific. After the war, Skagit was placed in reserve but was recommissioned during the Korean War, where she played a vital role in supplying troops and equipment. Throughout her service, the ship also participated in various amphibious exercises and humanitarian missions before being decommissioned in 1969.
Historical Facts
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Named After Skagit County, Washington: USS Skagit (AKA-105) was named after Skagit County in Washington State, following the tradition of naming attack cargo ships after counties in the United States.
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Part of the Tolland-Class: Skagit was one of the Tolland-class attack cargo ships, designed to carry military cargo and landing craft for amphibious assaults during World War II and beyond.
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Commissioned in 1945: The ship was commissioned on 2 April 1945, near the end of World War II, and was built by North Carolina Shipbuilding Company in Wilmington, North Carolina.
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World War II Service: Although commissioned late in the war, USS Skagit participated in occupation duties in Japan and China immediately following Japan’s surrender, transporting troops and supplies for post-war stabilization.
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Korean War Deployments: Skagit played a crucial role during the Korean War, making multiple voyages to transport troops, supplies, and equipment to support United Nations forces in Korea, including landings at Inchon and other ports.
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Operation Passage to Freedom: In 1954, Skagit took part in Operation Passage to Freedom, evacuating thousands of Vietnamese civilians, soldiers, and non-communist personnel from North to South Vietnam following the Geneva Accords.
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Far East Operations: Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Skagit conducted numerous deployments in the Western Pacific, supporting US military presence and exercises in Japan, Okinawa, the Philippines, and other locations.
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Vietnam War Missions: The ship supported US operations during the Vietnam War, carrying cargo and troops to South Vietnam, and was involved in amphibious training and logistic support.
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Decommissioned and Transferred: USS Skagit was decommissioned on 19 December 1969 and was later transferred to the Maritime Administration for disposal, marking the end of her 24 years of service.
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Earned Five Battle Stars: For her service in the Korean War, USS Skagit earned five battle stars, recognizing her significant contributions to military operations and logistics during the conflict.
