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USS Appalachian (AGC-1)

1943 WORLD WAR 2

History of USS Appalachia (AGC-1)

The aircraft carrier USS Appalachia was an amphibious support ship of the United States Navy during World War II. Their exploits saw them participate in the most intense landing operations of the entire conflict in support of U.S. naval forces. Their support for such operations is critical to the advancement of the U.S. Navy in the Pacific campaign.

USS Appalachia is the lead ship of her Appalachian class, with three other ships aboard the USS Blue Ridge, USS Rocky Mountain, and USS Catotin.

Powered by a single-shaft turbine engine, the Appalachia could reach speeds in excess of 16 knots while carrying a crew of 368. She displaces nearly 14,000 tons. Her armament consists of 2 x 5" main guns, supplemented by 8 x 40mm and 14 x 20mm guns. Her form factor is dominated by a single midship superstructure and front and rear twin masts.

A funnel is the same as a communications array mast On top of her superstructure.

The aircraft carrier USS Appalachia was called to action during its first involvement in the invasion of Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands and subsequent operations in Guadalcanal and Solomon Islands. The ship then participated in the bombing of Guam with her 5-inch guns in support of the U.S.

Navy's landing force there. She later assisted other ships in landings at Leyte, Philippines and later (early 1945) at Luzon. On her return from the invasion, she was attacked by some Japanese aircraft, but was able to deflect and avoid any serious injury. In addition to supporting the U.S. fleet and landing parties, the ship was called upon to train new sailors in support operations.

In 1945, she ended her world career in World War II near Manila, Philippines, until the end of the conflict.

The aircraft carrier USS Appalachia was laid in 1942, built by the Commonwealth Shipbuilding and Drydock Company (Kearney, NJ), and launched the following year. She officially entered service in 1943 and retired in 1947. Her name was eventually removed from the Naval Ship Register in late 1960.

Her body was sold as scrap. The USS Appalachia earned herself and her crew 4 Battle Stars for her service in World War II.