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History of USS Tazwell (APA-209)

USS Tazewell (APA-209) was a Haskell-class attack transport commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944 during World War II. She played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater, notably participating in the invasion of Okinawa in April 1945, where she landed troops and supplies under combat conditions. After the war, Tazewell was involved in occupation duties in Japan and China, as well as returning American servicemen home as part of Operation Magic Carpet. The ship was decommissioned in 1946 and later scrapped in 1974.

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ABOUT USS Tazwell (APA-209)

  • Namesake: USS Tazewell (APA-209) was named after Tazewell County, Virginia, following the tradition of naming attack transports after counties in the United States.
  • Haskell-Class: She was a Haskell-class attack transport, a class designed for amphibious operations, capable of carrying troops and landing them on hostile shores.
  • Construction Speed: Built under a Maritime Commission contract, USS Tazewell was laid down on June 2, 1944, launched on August 20, 1944, and commissioned on September 22, 1944—a testament to the rapid shipbuilding of WWII.
  • Pacific Theater Service: She participated in the Pacific Theater during World War II, transporting troops and cargo to various locations including the Philippines, Okinawa, and Japan.
  • Okinawa Campaign: USS Tazewell played a critical role in the invasion of Okinawa in April 1945, delivering troops and supplies during one of the war's bloodiest battles.
  • Kamikaze Threats: During the Okinawa campaign, the ship faced the constant threat of kamikaze attacks, a common danger for vessels operating in the region at the time.
  • Operation Magic Carpet: After the war, Tazewell participated in Operation Magic Carpet, the massive effort to bring American servicemen back home.
  • Decommissioning: USS Tazewell was decommissioned on December 13, 1946, after only about two years of active service, reflecting the rapid demobilization after WWII.
  • Awards: She earned one battle star for her World War II service, recognizing her participation in combat operations.
  • Final Fate: After decommissioning, she was placed in the National Defense Reserve Fleet and was eventually scrapped in 1974, ending her journey as part of America's wartime naval history.

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