This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Al Pierson (USview), YN2
to remember
Laulor, Richard (Rich), CAPT USN(Ret).
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Laid down, 3 June 1944, as a Maritime Commission type (VC2-S-AP5) hull, under Maritime Commission contract (MCV hull 122) at Oregon Shipbuilding Corp., Portland, OR.
Launched, 4 August 1944
Acquired by the Navy from the Maritime Commission and commissioned USS Mellette (APA-156), 27 September 1944, CDR. F. H. Spring, USNR, in command
During World War II USS Mellette (APA-156) was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater: TransRon Fifteen; CAPT. W. S. Popham USN (14)\
Following World War II USS Mellette was assigned to Occupation service in the Far East for the following periods
Decommissioned, 3 February 1946, at Norfolk, VA.
Laid up in the Atlantic Reserve Fleet, Yorktown, VA.
Recommissioned, 18 October 1950
USS Mellette was assigned to Occupation service in Europe from 20 September 1953 to 24 January 1954
Decommissioned, 18 June 1955, at Charleston S.C.
Laid up in the Atlantic Reserve Fleet, Charleston Group
Returned to the Maritime Administration (MARAD), 17 March 1960 for lay up in the National Defense Reserve Fleet, James River Group, Lee Hall, VA.
Permanent transfer to MARAD, 30 June 1960
Struck from the Naval Register, 1 July 1960
Final Disposition sold for scrapping, 18 September 1987
USS Mellette earned two battle stars for World War II serviceSpecifications: Displacement 6,873 t.(lt) 12,450 t.(fl) Length 455' Beam 62' Speed 17.7 kts (trial)
Complement
Officers 56
Enlisted 480
Troop Accommodations
Officers 80
Enlisted 1,440
Largest Boom Capacity 35t.
Cargo Capacity 2,900 DWT
non-refrigerated 150,000 Cu. ft
Boats
two LCMs
one open LCPL
one covered LCPL (Captain's Gig)
two LCPRs
eighteen LCVPs
Armament
one single 5"/38 cal dual-purpose gun mount
four twin 40mm AA gun mounts
one quad 40mm AA gun mount
10 single 20mm AA gun mounts
Fuel Capacities
NSFO 7,780 Bbls
Diesel 970 Bbls
Propulsion
one Westinghouse geared turbine
two Babcock and Wilcox header-type boilers, 465psi 750°
double Westinghouse Main Reduction Gears
three turbo-drive 300Kw 120V/240V D.C. Ship's Service Generators