USS San Saba Naval Ship Operations and Legacy

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Historical shipwreck of Marjory Glen against a dramatic sky in Punta Loyola, Argentina.
Credit: pexels.com, Historical shipwreck of Marjory Glen against a dramatic sky in Punta Loyola, Argentina.

The USS San Saba had a notable naval ship operations history. The ship was a schooner that served in the United States Navy from 1846 to 1848.

Built in 1846, the USS San Saba was used for various tasks, including surveying and transporting troops. Her primary role was to assist in the Mexican-American War.

The USS San Saba played a significant part in the war, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico. She was involved in several operations, including reconnaissance and supply missions.

Operational History

The USS San Saba had a busy operational history. She sailed from San Diego on May 18th, bound for China.

Her first stop was Shanghai, where she arrived on June 5th. From there, she headed to Okinawa to pick up over 900 Naval personnel for transport to Yokosuka, Japan.

After completing this task, she returned to San Diego on July 4th.

Service Record

San Saba was commissioned on December 3, 1944, with Captain E. E. Berthold in command.

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.

She was laid down on September 29, 1944, and launched on November 12, 1944, sponsored by Mrs. Richard Bissell.

San Saba departed San Francisco on July 1, 1945, for the Marshall Islands to transport troops and war supplies.

She reached Eniwetok on July 14, 1945, and carried out transport missions to various locations in the Pacific, including the Philippines, New Guinea, and Japan.

San Saba was detoured to Seattle, Washington, on her way back to San Francisco, arriving on October 24, 1945.

She made a voyage to Okinawa in November and December 1945 and returned to San Pedro, California.

San Saba was transferred to the Navy Department on January 14, 1946, and completed a passenger/cargo run to the Marianas by the end of February.

She sailed from San Francisco to China on May 18, 1946, and arrived at Shanghai on June 5.

San Saba was ordered to the Mare Island Naval Shipyard on July 17, 1946, for inactivation.

She was decommissioned on December 17, 1946, and assigned to the San Francisco Group of the Pacific Reserve Fleet.

San Saba was transferred to the Maritime Commission on October 1, 1958, and struck from the Navy list.

She was placed in the National Defense Reserve Fleet at Suisun Bay, California, where she remained until June 1974.

Notable Events

Navagio Beach, a stunning shipwreck site on Zakynthos Island, Greece.
Credit: pexels.com, Navagio Beach, a stunning shipwreck site on Zakynthos Island, Greece.

The operational history of the unit was marked by several notable events.

In 1942, the unit saw its first major action during the Battle of Stalingrad, where they played a crucial role in repelling the German counterattack.

The unit's bravery and sacrifice were recognized by the government, who awarded them the Order of the Red Banner.

In 1944, the unit was redeployed to the Eastern Front, where they fought against German forces in the Battle of Kursk.

The unit's leadership and tactical skills were instrumental in securing a decisive victory for the Soviet forces.

Historical Significance

The historical significance of the Operational History is rooted in the fact that it was a pivotal moment in the development of modern warfare.

The introduction of new technologies, such as radar and jet engines, revolutionized the way battles were fought and won.

The US Navy's role in the Operational History was a crucial one, with its aircraft carriers playing a key part in the Allied victory.

The Operational History marked a significant shift in the balance of power between the US and Japan, with the US emerging victorious.

The bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers and sailors who fought in the Operational History will never be forgotten.

Decommission

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.

On 17 December 1946, USS San Saba was decommissioned and assigned to the San Francisco Group of the Pacific Reserve Fleet.

She was later transferred to the Maritime Commission, struck from the Navy List, and placed in the National Defense Reserve Fleet at Suisun Bay, California.

SS San Saba remained at Suisun Bay through June 1974.

Reason for Decommission

The reason for decommission is often a complex one, but in the case of the San Saba, it's clear that it was due to a combination of factors. The ship was decommissioned on 17 December 1946.

The San Saba was assigned to the San Francisco Group of the Pacific Reserve Fleet, indicating that it was no longer needed for active duty.

This move marked the beginning of the end for the San Saba, as it would eventually be transferred to the Maritime Commission and struck from the Navy List.

Final Disposition

Decommissioning a system or facility requires a thoughtful and structured approach to ensure a safe and controlled shutdown.

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.

The final disposition of a decommissioned system or facility is a critical step in the process. It involves the removal of all hazardous materials, equipment, and structures.

A thorough cleanup is necessary to prevent environmental contamination and ensure the site is safe for future use. This includes the removal of radioactive materials, hazardous waste, and other pollutants.

The cost of final disposition can be substantial, with estimates ranging from $10 million to $100 million or more, depending on the complexity of the project.

A well-planned and executed final disposition process can help minimize costs and ensure a smooth transition to the next phase of the project.

Naval History Command

The Naval History Command played a significant role in the USS San Saba's history. SanSaba (APA-232) was laid down on 29 September 1944 under Maritime Commission contract (MCV hull 678) by the Kaiser Shipbuilding Corp., Vancouver, Wash.

The Navy acquired SanSaba from the Maritime Commission on a loan-charter basis on 3 December 1944. She was sponsored by Mrs. Richard Bissell and commissioned the same day, with Capt. E. E. Berthold in command.

The ship's commissioning marked the beginning of her service, which would take her to various parts of the world, including the Marshall Islands, the Philippines, and Japan.

Command Structure

USS Beloit LCS-29 docked at Milwaukee's scenic waterfront with crew members on board.
Credit: pexels.com, USS Beloit LCS-29 docked at Milwaukee's scenic waterfront with crew members on board.

The command structure of naval history is a complex system that has evolved over time. The earliest recorded naval command structure dates back to ancient Greece, where the admiral was the supreme commander of the fleet.

In the Roman Empire, the command structure was more formalized, with a clear chain of command from the emperor to the admiral. The admiral was responsible for the overall strategy and tactics of the fleet.

The modern naval command structure was established during the Age of Sail, with the introduction of the flag officer system. The flag officer was responsible for the overall command of the fleet, with a series of subordinate officers reporting to them.

The command structure was further formalized during World War I, with the introduction of the naval staff system. The naval staff was responsible for providing strategic advice to the commander-in-chief, who was the supreme commander of the fleet.

In modern times, the command structure of naval history has continued to evolve, with the introduction of new technologies and strategies.

Chain of Command

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

Capt. E. E. Berthold was in command of the SanSaba when it was commissioned on 3 December 1944.

The chain of command for the SanSaba's commissioning process involved Mrs. Richard Bissell sponsoring the ship and the Navy acquiring it from the Maritime Commission on a loan-charter basis.

Capt. E. E. Berthold was in command when the SanSaba was commissioned.

The Navy Department transferred ownership of the SanSaba to itself on 14 January 1946, marking a significant shift in the ship's chain of command.

Clara Donnelly

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Clara Donnelly is a versatile writer with a passion for crafting engaging content across various industries. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she brings complex topics to life through her writing. Her expertise spans a range of topics, including sustainable packaging solutions, where she explores innovative ideas and eco-friendly practices that minimize waste and promote environmental responsibility.

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