Monday, November 17, 2014


"USS Pocomoke" received two battle stars for World War II Service: 
 
 


We see her here, 3 February 1943, location unknown. Note that her maintenance deck is crowded with single engine fighters.

Worcester County took pride in lending the name of its only river to a ship commissioned as the "USS Pocomoke," 18 July 1941, with John D. Price in command. It had a length of 492', a beam of 69' 6", and a draft of 21' 2". During the Second World War, both the American Navy built a number of seaplane tenders to supplement their aircraft carrier fleets. 


the Sweepers who kept the decks clean
 

The tenders allowed the aircraft, generally for long-range reconnaissance patrols, to be rapidly deployed to new bases because their runways did not have to be constructed, and support facilities were mobile much like supply ships for submarines or destroyers.
 

Relief from military tedium and war-time anxiety

During World War II, the "USS Pocomoke" was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater and participated in the following campaigns:

Bougainville operation

Supporting air actions, 27 October 1943 to 1 May 1944 Western Caroline Islands operation

Capture and occupation of southern Palau Islands, 6 September to 14 October 1944

Marianas operation, Capture and occupation of Saipan, 17 June to 10 August 1944 


Christmas at sea
 

The photos taken aboard the "USS Pocomoke" come from the collection of Anthony Martiliano, who served on the ship. Here is the link: http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/41/4109c.htm I do not know if anyone from Worcester County was ever part of the crew though I am sure it would have been mentioned in our Worcester newspapers of the period. I add this particular post as part of our observance of Veterans' Day and our salute to those who gave up part of their lives so that we could keep ALL of ours.

2 comments:

  1. I've often come across the name USS POCOMOKE, and now know "the rest of the story."

    Thanks for the informative posting.

    ReplyDelete
  2. My father Bernard F. German served on the USS Pocomke during much of World War II. Sadly, he passed away in August 2009. I'm trying to find and of his Shipmates who may still be alive who knew my father. They called him Be.

    ReplyDelete

All comments are the sole responsibility of the poster