USS Lebanon (AK-191)

USS Lebanon (AK-191) was a Crater-class cargo ship commissioned by the U.S. Navy during World War II. She was named after Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

Built under Maritime Commission contract by Kaiser Shipbuilding Co., Inc., Richmond, California, as MC hull 2133, she was laid down on 19 October 1943, launched on 5 January 1944, acquired by the Navy on loan-charter basis on 18 March 1944, and commissioned the same day at Richmond, Lieutenant Commander D. J. Flynn, USNR, in command.

Following shakedown, Lebanon loaded cargo at Port Hueneme, California, and departed on 29 April 1944 for Pearl Harbor. She discharged her cargo there and then sailed on 10 May for the Marshall Islands, arriving at Eniwetok on 21 May. During the next few months, she operated between Eniwetok, Kwajalein, and Ulithi, supporting the vast supply network so vital to the success of the Pacific offensive.

In late October 1944, Lebanon sailed to Manus Island, Admiralty Islands, to prepare for the invasion of the Philippines. She arrived off Leyte on 14 November and commenced unloading supplies. She continued this vital work until 29 November, when she sailed for Hollandia, New Guinea.

From Hollandia, Lebanon carried cargo to various ports in the Solomon Islands and the New Hebrides. She returned to Manus Island in March 1945 and prepared for the invasion of Okinawa.

Lebanon arrived off Okinawa on 18 April 1945 and began unloading supplies under heavy enemy fire. She remained in the area until 15 May, when she sailed for Saipan. For the remainder of the war, she transported cargo between various ports in the Pacific.

Following the end of the war, Lebanon participated in Operation Magic Carpet, transporting returning veterans to the United States. She was decommissioned on 11 April 1946 and returned to the Maritime Commission. Her final disposition is unknown.

Lebanon received one battle star for her World War II service at Okinawa.