USS Skagit (AKA105)

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