USNS Sgt. George D. Keathley: A Life of Service

The USNS Sgt. George D. Keathley was named after a soldier who served in the US Army during World War II.

Sgt. George D. Keathley was a highly decorated soldier who earned the Medal of Honor for his actions in combat.

He was a member of the 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism in the Philippines.

The USNS Sgt. George D. Keathley is a US Navy ship that serves as a floating warehouse and supply depot.

It provides critical support to US military operations around the world, often operating in remote areas.

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USNS Sgt. George D. Keathley was a 6090-ton coastal troop transport that served from 1950 to 1972.

The ship was initially built under a World War II Maritime Administration contract at Duluth, Minnesota. It was originally named Alexander R. Niniger, Jr. and completed in late March 1945.

In July 1946, the ship was transferred to the U.S. Army Transportation Corps and employed as a cargo ship in the Ryukyu Islands until May 1948. It was then converted to a troopship and renamed Sergeant George D. Keathley in March 1949.

The ship's first major deployment was to the Korean War, where it carried men and cargo from July 1950 to July 1953. After the Korean Armistice, it spent two more years in the western Pacific.

In 1955, the ship was moved to the Atlantic and laid up in December 1956. However, it was reacquired by the Navy in December 1966 and converted to a surveying ship, redesignated T-AGS-35.

Here's a brief timeline of the ship's major deployments:

The ship continued its scientific work until December 1971, when it began inactivation preparations. It was eventually transferred to the Republic of China in March 1972 and served as a hydrographic ship until August 1988.

The USNS Sgt. George D. Keathley served in the United States Navy's Military Sealift Command, providing critical support to naval operations.

It was a cargo ship that played a crucial role in the Vietnam War, transporting troops and supplies across the Pacific.

The USNS Sgt. George D. Keathley was a versatile vessel, capable of carrying a wide range of cargo, including vehicles, ammunition, and even aircraft.

It had a crew of over 100 sailors and civilians, who worked tirelessly to keep the ship running smoothly and on schedule.

The ship's size was impressive, measuring over 520 feet in length and displacing over 20,000 tons of water.

Its cargo capacity was equally impressive, with the ability to carry over 5,000 tons of cargo at a time.

The USNS Sgt. George D. Keathley was a vital part of the US Navy's supply chain, keeping troops and equipment moving throughout the war.

It was also equipped with a range of advanced systems, including a sophisticated navigation system and a state-of-the-art communication system.

The ship's crew underwent rigorous training to ensure they were prepared for any situation that might arise during their deployment.

The USNS Sgt. George D. Keathley's service was marked by numerous awards and commendations, including the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation.

Born in Olney, Texas in 1907, Keathley attended Onley High School and Cameron Junior College, now Cameron University, in Lawton, OK.

He joined the Army from Lamesa, Texas, and served as a staff sergeant in Company B, 338th Infantry Regiment, 85th Infantry Division.

Keathley attended the Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas, today known as Texas A&M University, in 1937, but never graduated due to financial reasons.

He was severely wounded during an enemy counterattack on September 14, 1944, at Mount Altuzzo, Italy, but continued to lead his platoons.

Keathley died of his injuries shortly after the attack was repulsed, aged 36.

His Medal of Honor was posthumously awarded six months later, on March 29, 1945.

Keathley was buried at the Florence American Cemetery in Florence, Italy.

The Keathley Hall dormitory at Texas A&M University was named in his honor.