USS Grafton (APA-109)
The USS Grafton (APA-109) was a Haskell-class attack transport that served with the US Navy during World War II. She was named after Grafton County, New Hampshire.
Grafton was laid down on 24 August 1944 by the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation of Portland, Oregon; launched on 16 November 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Thomas F. Creedon; and commissioned on 17 January 1945, Commander John R. Davis, USNR, in command.
Following shakedown training off the California coast, Grafton departed San Francisco on 28 March 1945 for Pearl Harbor, arriving on 3 April. She then participated in amphibious training exercises in the Hawaiian Islands. On 10 May, Grafton sailed for the Marianas, arriving at Saipan on 20 May.
The Grafton's primary mission was the transportation of troops and equipment throughout the Pacific Theater. She participated in the occupation of Japan, arriving in Tokyo Bay on 30 August 1945. Following occupation duties, Grafton participated in Operation Magic Carpet, transporting veterans back to the United States.
She was decommissioned on 14 March 1946 and placed in reserve. On 1 October 1958, she was transferred to the Maritime Administration's National Defense Reserve Fleet. The USS Grafton was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 1 October 1961. Her final disposition is unknown.
Service History:
- Commissioned: 17 January 1945
- Decommissioned: 14 March 1946
- Awards: World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
Class and Type: Haskell-class attack transport