"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
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/
I've often come across the name USS POCOMOKE, and now know "the rest of the story."
ReplyDeleteThanks for the informative posting.
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.
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