About this Unit
USS Teaberry (AN-34/YN-29) was a net laying ship of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1943 during World War II. Built at the American Shipbuilding Company in Lorain, Ohio, she was tasked with laying and tending anti-submarine nets to protect Allied harbors and anchorages. USS Teaberry served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, supporting operations in locations such as Bermuda and later in the Pacific islands. After the war, she continued service for a short period before being decommissioned in 1947 and eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register.
Historical Facts
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USS Teaberry (AN-34/YN-29) was a net laying ship:
She was part of the Aloe-class of net laying ships, designed to deploy and maintain anti-submarine nets to protect harbors and anchorages during World War II.
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Named after a plant:
The ship was named "Teaberry," after the small North American evergreen shrub known for its aromatic berries and leaves.
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Launched in 1941:
USS Teaberry was laid down on October 25, 1940, launched on May 24, 1941, and commissioned on December 24, 1942.
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Served in both the Atlantic and Pacific:
Teaberry operated along the U.S. East Coast before being sent to the Pacific, where she supported operations in the Philippines and Okinawa.
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Vital role in harbor defense:
The ship was responsible for laying, maintaining, and removing anti-torpedo and anti-submarine nets, which were crucial for safeguarding naval installations from enemy submarines.
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Survived typhoon conditions:
While serving at Okinawa, Teaberry encountered severe typhoon weather but survived unscathed, continuing her vital support missions.
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Post-war duties in Japan:
After Japan's surrender, Teaberry assisted in clearing and removing harbor defensive nets at Japanese ports to facilitate Allied occupation and shipping.
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Decommissioned after WWII:
USS Teaberry was decommissioned in 1947 and placed in the reserve fleet, reflecting the reduced need for net layers after the war.
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Earned one battle star:
For her World War II service, Teaberry received one battle star, recognizing her participation in combat-support operations.
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Sold for civilian use:
Eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1961, Teaberry was sold for scrap, concluding her nearly two-decade-long service history.
