USS Uvalde (AKA-88)

• Namesake: USS Uvalde (AKA-88) was named after Uvalde County, Texas, following the tradition of naming attack cargo ships after counties in the United States. • Class and Type: She was an Andromeda-class attack cargo ship, designed to carry military cargo and landing craft for amphibious operations. • Launch and Commission: USS Uvalde was launched on November 20, 1944, by Moore Dry Dock Company in Oakland, California, and commissioned on December 18, 1944. • World War II Service: Uvalde participated in the Okinawa campaign, delivering troops and supplies under frequent air attack, and helping support the final push toward Japan. • Kamikaze Threat: During the Okinawa campaign, the ship and her crew had to endure constant threat from Japanese kamikaze attacks while unloading vital cargo. • Post-War Operations: After WWII, USS Uvalde assisted in occupation duties in the Far East, including transporting occupation forces to Japan and China. • Korean War Service: Reactivated for the Korean War, Uvalde carried troops and equipment to the Korean Peninsula, supporting United Nations operations. • Vietnam War Involvement: Uvalde also saw service during the Vietnam War, supplying American and allied forces in Southeast Asia. • Commendations: Throughout her service, USS Uvalde earned two battle stars for World War II service and two for the Korean War. • Decommissioning and Fate: USS Uvalde was decommissioned on March 2, 1970, struck from the Navy List, and was eventually sold for scrapping in 1971, ending over 25 years of service.