USS Bates

The USS Bates (DE-68/APD-47) was a Buckley-class destroyer escort in the service of the United States Navy during World War II. Originally designated DE-68, she was later converted to a high-speed transport and re-designated APD-47.

Bates was laid down on 14 February 1943 by the Defoe Shipbuilding Company in Bay City, Michigan, launched on 17 April 1943, sponsored by Mrs. Florence Bates, mother of Ensign Robert J. Bates, USNR, who was killed in action during the attack on Pearl Harbor. She was commissioned as DE-68 on 31 July 1943, Lieutenant Commander Frederick J. Becton, USNR, in command.

Following shakedown, Bates performed escort duties in the Atlantic, protecting convoys from German U-boats. In July 1944, she entered conversion to a high-speed transport. Reclassified APD-47 on 25 July 1944, she was recommissioned on 26 November 1944, Lieutenant Commander A. E. Uecker in command.

As an APD, Bates served in the Pacific Theater, participating in operations in the Philippines and the Solomon Islands. She transported troops and equipment, and provided fire support during amphibious landings.

Following the end of World War II, Bates participated in occupation duties and then decommissioned on 15 January 1947. She was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 1 September 1965 and sold for scrap on 15 May 1966.

Bates earned two battle stars for her service in World War II.