USS Cuttyhunk Island

Summary

USS Cuttyhunk Island (AG-75/AKS-23) was a Belle Isle-class miscellaneous auxiliary acquired by the U.S. Navy during World War II. Cuttyhunk Island was built as the war was coming to an end, and was used as a transport. She was later classified as a stores ship and eventually scrapped.

Cuttyhunk Island, circa in 1946
History
United States
NameCuttyhunk Island
NamesakeCuttyhunk Island
BuilderNew England Shipbuilding Corporation, South Portland, Maine
Laid down16 October 1944 as type (EC2-S-C1) hull, (MCE hull 3088)
Launched26 November 1944
Sponsored byMrs. M. M. Dayo
Acquiredby the Navy, 7 December 1944
Commissioned1 September 1945 as USS Cuttyhunk Island (AG-75)
Decommissioned3 May 1946, at Orange, Texas
ReclassifiedAKS-23, 18 August 1951
RefitEureka Shipbuilding Corporation, Newburg, New York
Strickendate unknown
Fatescrapped 1960
General characteristics
TypeBelle Isle-class miscellaneous auxiliary
Displacement
  • 5,371 tons light
  • 14,350 tons full load
Length442'
Beam57'
Draft23'
Propulsionreciprocating steam engine, single shaft, 1,950hp
Speed11.5 knots
Complement891 officers and enlisted
Armamentfour 40 mm single gun mounts

Constructed at Portland, Maine edit

Cuttyhunk Island (AG-75) was launched 26 November 1944 by New England Shipbuilding Corporation, South Portland, Maine, under a U.S. Maritime Commission contract; sponsored by Mrs. M. M. Dayo.

World War II-related service edit

Cuttyhunk Island was acquired by the Navy 7 December 1944; outfitted at Eureka Shipbuilding Corp., Newburg, New York; and commissioned 1 September 1945.

Cuttyhunk Island departed Norfolk, Virginia, 24 November 1945 to carry troops from Bermuda to Boston, Massachusetts.

Post-war decommissioning edit

She reported to Orange, Texas, 31 January 1946, and there was placed out of commission in reserve 3 May 1946. She was reclassified General Stores Issue Ship AKS-23, 18 August 1951.

References edit