USS James O'Hara History and Campaigns of WWII

The USS James O'Hara has a rich history that spans World War II. Commissioned on December 29, 1943, this ship played a significant role in the war.

The USS James O'Hara was a Casablanca-class escort carrier, designed to provide air support for amphibious landings. Its primary function was to launch aircraft to attack enemy ships and positions.

The USS James O'Hara served in the Pacific Theater, participating in several key campaigns. Its crew played a crucial role in the war effort, working tirelessly to support their fellow sailors and soldiers.

The USS James O'Hara's time in service was marked by its ability to adapt to changing circumstances, often serving as a floating airbase for other ships.

The Mediterranean Theatre was a significant part of USS James O'Hara's early career. Arriving in Oran, Algeria on June 22nd, she prepared for the invasion of Sicily.

Her first major mission was to shuttle troops from North Africa to Sicily, a task she performed for almost two months.

The USS James O'Hara played a pivotal role in several key WWII campaigns. The ship's first mission was Operation Husky, which carried the 45th Infantry Division to Scoglitti, Sicily.

The James O'Hara's bravery was put to the test when it was attacked from both sea and air, but it managed to offload the troops who went on to secure the island from the Axis powers.

The ship then shuttled troops from North Africa to Sicily, and later, it was part of the Southern Attack Force that raided Salerno in southwestern Italy on September 9, successfully securing the area.

The Invasion of Saipan was a pivotal moment in World War II. James O'Hara played a crucial role in this operation.

She departed Pearl Harbor on May 29th as part of Vice Admiral R. K. Turner's Northern Attack Force. The ship carried troops of the 4th Marine Division.

The invasion began on June 15th, with James O'Hara debarking her troops in the initial assault waves. This marked the start of a fierce battle on Saipan.

The ship discharged cargo as fighting raged on shore, then embarked casualties and enemy prisoners. This was a critical part of the operation, ensuring the wounded received medical attention.

James O'Hara departed Saipan on June 17th and cruised northeast of the island. This allowed the ship to provide support to the troops while avoiding the worst of the fighting.

The Battle of the Philippine Sea took place around this time, with Vice Admiral Marc Mitscher's Fast Carrier Task Force defeating Admiral Ozawa's Mobile Fleet. This was a significant American victory.

James O'Hara returned to Saipan on June 23rd to complete unloading cargo. The ship then departed on June 24th for Eniwetok and Pearl Harbor.

The James O'Hara played a crucial role in the invasion of Sicily, carrying the 45th Infantry Division to Scoglitti, a small fishing village on the south coast of Sicily, as part of Operation Husky.

The ship was attacked both from the sea and air during the invasion, but managed to offload the troops who went on to wrest the island from the Axis powers. They were successful in securing the island.

The James O'Hara was then assigned to the Southern Attack Force that raided Salerno, located in southwestern Italy, on September 9 and successfully secured it. The ship carried the troops and cargo to the Paestrum beaches and even assisted another ship that went over a German mine.

The invasion of Leyte was another significant operation for the James O'Hara, where it offloaded assault troops of the Northern Attack Force and unloaded combat cargo that weighed 476 tons. The ship played a vital role in the invasion.

The James O'Hara also carried the 6th Infantry Division to Luzon, where they went on to liberate the island.

Asbestos exposure is a serious health concern for veterans who served on the USS James O'Hara (APA-90). Asbestos was used in shipbuilding in the 1940s because it's heat resistant and anti-corrosive.

Many veterans who served on the USS James O'Hara may have been exposed to asbestos, which can lead to serious health problems. The VA benefits can help recover the costs of asbestos-related diagnoses.

Asbestos exposure can cause a range of health issues, including respiratory problems and cancer. Navy veterans who served on the USS James O'Hara (APA-90) can file claims with asbestos trust funds for compensation.

The USS James O'Hara's ship conditions were quite impressive. The ship was equipped with a steam turbine, which provided a top speed of 32 knots.

The crew had to be prepared for long periods at sea, as the ship had a range of 7,000 nautical miles. This meant they could stay out for weeks without needing to resupply.

The USS James O'Hara's crew was well-trained to handle the demands of life on a ship. They had to be skilled in multiple areas, including navigation, engineering, and combat.

The ship's crew was made up of 1,200 sailors and officers. They worked together as a team to keep the ship running smoothly.

The USS James O'Hara was designed to be a versatile ship, capable of handling a variety of tasks. It was equipped with a range of guns and could be used for both combat and humanitarian missions.

The USS James O'Hara was involved in several key operations during World War II.

In June 1943, the ship was en route from Norfolk to Oran, Algeria, to take part in the invasion of Sicily. Crewmen and embarked troops received lessons in Arabic while on board.

The invasion of Sicily occurred in July 1943, with Task Force 85 ("Cent" Force) en route to the landings at Scoglitti, Sicily, on July 8, 1943. USS James O'Hara was part of this force.

The ship also played a role in the Salerno Invasion in September 1943, with troops bringing artillery ashore at Salerno.

Here's a brief timeline of the USS James O'Hara's operations: