USS George Clymer War Efforts and Postwar Service

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US Navy exclusion zone sign with a ship in Milwaukee, emphasizing restricted access.
Credit: pexels.com, US Navy exclusion zone sign with a ship in Milwaukee, emphasizing restricted access.

The USS George Clymer played a significant role in the war efforts during World War II. Commissioned on July 18, 1943, it was an attack cargo ship that provided vital supplies and equipment to troops.

It was part of the Allied invasion of southern France, participating in the assault on the French Riviera in August 1944. The ship supported the invasion, transporting troops, vehicles, and supplies.

During its postwar service, the USS George Clymer was decommissioned on June 8, 1946.

World War II and Pacific Theater

The USS George Clymer played a significant role in World War II, particularly in the Pacific Theater. She sailed from Norfolk, Virginia, on October 23, 1942, with 1,400 men of the 9th Infantry Division, bound for French Morocco.

The ship's first stop in the Pacific was Nouméa, New Caledonia, where she arrived on January 18, 1943. From there, she sailed to the Fiji Islands and Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides, before being redesignated as APA-27 on February 1. The USS George Clymer then sailed in convoy to Guadalcanal, Solomons, on February 5.

Humpback whale tail near a US Navy ship on a calm ocean day.
Credit: pexels.com, Humpback whale tail near a US Navy ship on a calm ocean day.

During her time in the Pacific, the USS George Clymer carried cargo and rotated troops between various bases, including those in New Zealand, New Caledonia, the New Hebrides, and the Fijis. She also evacuated 38 Chinese and Fijian women and children, who had hidden from the Japanese for over a year, from Guadalcanal on April 19.

Service and Decommission

After serving in World War II, the USS George Clymer returned to San Diego on October 4th, 1945.

She spent the next 19 months operating off the coast of Alaska, the West Coast, and in Hawaiian waters.

Her postwar service was a significant chapter in her long and distinguished career with the US Navy.

The USS George Clymer was decommissioned on October 31st, 1967, marking the end of an era for this naval vessel.

She was then sold for scrapping to the National Metals & Steel Corporation on July 26th, 1968, bringing her 25-year career to a close.

Postwar Service

People observe US Navy ship behind an exclusion fence in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Credit: pexels.com, People observe US Navy ship behind an exclusion fence in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

After the war, George Clymer returned to San Diego on October 4th. She spent the next 19 months operating off the coast of Alaska, the West Coast, and in Hawaiian waters.

Decommission

Decommission is a significant milestone in a ship's life. It marks the end of its active service and the beginning of the end of its operational life.

The USS George Clymer was decommissioned on 31 October 1967 at San Diego.

Decommissioning is a process that involves stripping a ship of its operational capabilities and preparing it for its next phase. The USS George Clymer was no exception.

It was sold for scrapping to the National Metals & Steel Corporation on 26 July 1968, bringing to an end a long and distinguished 25-year career with the US Navy.

USS George Clymer (AP-57)

The USS George Clymer was a United States Navy transport ship that served during World War II. It was built by the Federal Shipbuilding Company in Newark, New Jersey.

Navy Ship in a Harbor
Credit: pexels.com, Navy Ship in a Harbor

The USS George Clymer was commissioned on May 8, 1943, and played a significant role in the war effort. It was primarily used for transporting troops and supplies.

The ship was named after George Clymer, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He was a prominent figure in American history.

The USS George Clymer had a crew of 230 officers and men, and was equipped with a range of armaments for defense.

History and Crew

The USS George Clymer has a rich history that spans several decades. It was named after George Clymer, a Founding Father of the United States.

The George Clymer was commissioned on February 22, 1945, and was part of the United States Navy's fleet during World War II. It played a significant role in the war, participating in several key battles.

The ship's crew consisted of a diverse group of sailors, officers, and enlisted personnel, with a total of 350 men serving on board.

History of APA-27

Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk on a Naval Ship
Credit: pexels.com, Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk on a Naval Ship

The USS George Clymer (APA-27) has a rich history that spans over four decades. She was built as a single screw, 15,500 ton attack transport, and was originally designed for passenger/freighter service.

The ship was named after George Clymer, an American Patriot who was born in Philadelphia in 1739 and died in 1813. He was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and held numerous positions in connection with the early American government.

During World War II, the USS George Clymer steamed approximately 163,000 engine miles and became the first United States Navy Attack Transport to participate in World War II operations in both the Mediterranean and the Pacific. She was nicknamed the "Lucky George" due to the minimal damage she suffered during the war.

The ship dropped anchor at more than 46 ports throughout the world, including over a dozen in the United States, Hawaii, and the Canal Zone. She also stopped at two ports in the Mediterranean and 32 in the Pacific.

Dynamic aerial display with contrails and ship in New York's waters.
Credit: pexels.com, Dynamic aerial display with contrails and ship in New York's waters.

For her final combat operation of WWII, the USS George Clymer took part in the assault and occupation of the western beaches on Okinawa Island from 1-5 April 1945. She was then a unit of Transport Division 35, carrying 51 officers and 1,251 troops of the Second Battalion, 29th Marines and their equipment.

The USS George Clymer remained on active duty with the U.S. Pacific Fleet after World War II, and in 1950, she was called into action for the Korean conflict.

Apa 27 Crew List

The USS George Clymer (APA 27) had a diverse crew of 60 members, as listed on the ship's website.

The crew members served from different periods, with some serving as early as 1963 and others until 1969.

Some notable crew members include John Bennett, who was a BM3 and served from June 1963 to March 1967.

John Bennett also served as a Coxswain on VP and Mike, and was friends with Don Mongar and Joe Koontz.

Empire State VII Training Ship
Credit: pexels.com, Empire State VII Training Ship

Albert Al Aikins Jr. was an SK2 E-5 who served from January 1964 to January 1966 in the S-1 division.

He was trying to locate shipmates from their time in the waters of Vietnam in 1964/1965.

The crew members served in various divisions, including Boat, Deck, Radar, and Commissary.

Here is a list of some of the crew members and their divisions:

Some crew members have left comments on the website, sharing their experiences and memories of serving on the USS George Clymer (APA 27).

For example, James Dean is looking for a copy of the 1966 cruise book, and Richard Mollohan notes that the ship is listed as being in Agent Orange.

Nellie Kling

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Nellie Kling is a seasoned copy editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for clear, concise writing. She has honed her skills over years of experience, ensuring that every article she touches is polished and engaging. Nellie's expertise shines through in her coverage of cruise line news, where she provides insightful and well-researched content that captivates her audience.

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