USS Effingham (APA-165)

The USS Effingham (APA-165) was a Haskell-class attack transport of the United States Navy, named after Effingham County, Georgia. She served during and after World War II, participating in the occupation of Japan and later operating as part of Operation Magic Carpet to return American troops home.

Effingham was laid down on 8 January 1944 by the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation of Portland, Oregon; launched on 2 March 1944; sponsored by Mrs. B.W. Gillespie; and commissioned on 21 April 1944, Captain F.W. McMahon, USNR, in command.

After shakedown along the California coast, Effingham departed San Francisco on 17 June 1944 for Pearl Harbor, where she conducted amphibious training exercises. She then sailed to Guadalcanal to prepare for the invasion of Peleliu. Effingham participated in the Peleliu operation in September 1944, landing troops and supplies under enemy fire.

Following Peleliu, Effingham took part in the invasion of Leyte in the Philippines in October 1944, where she again landed troops and equipment. She subsequently supported operations in other areas of the Philippines, including Mindoro and Luzon.

After the cessation of hostilities, Effingham was assigned to occupation duty, transporting troops to Japan. She then participated in Operation Magic Carpet, bringing American servicemen back to the United States.

Effingham was decommissioned in 1946 and placed in reserve. She was struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1962 and sold for scrap in 1963.

Effingham earned five battle stars for her World War II service.