USS Raccoon (IX-127)

The USS Raccoon (IX-127) was a concrete barge acquired by the U.S. Navy during World War II. Designated an unclassified miscellaneous vessel, she was used for intra-island transportation in the Pacific Theater.

Raccoon was laid down as Sea Otter (Barge No. 318) by Concrete Ship Constructors, National City, California, on 24 March 1944; launched 15 May 1944; acquired by the Navy on loan-charter basis from the War Shipping Administration on 18 May 1944; and commissioned at San Diego on 20 May 1944, Lieutenant Commander George W. Rogers in command.

Following shakedown, Raccoon was assigned to Service Force, Pacific Fleet, and began operating in the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands. During this period, she engaged in carrying cargo to and from ships in the harbor and on the high seas.

On 21 November 1944, Raccoon departed Pearl Harbor and proceeded to the Marshall Islands. Upon arrival at Eniwetok, she commenced intra-island cargo transport. She continued this vital task at Eniwetok until 9 March 1945, when she sailed for Ulithi.

The barge arrived at Ulithi on 13 March and, for the remainder of World War II, performed similar duties in support of the war effort there. After the end of hostilities, she continued this cargo work in the Western Pacific until she was placed out of service at Guam on 16 November 1945.

Raccoon was stricken from the Navy List on 8 May 1946, and her loan-charter agreement with the War Shipping Administration was terminated on 27 May 1946. She was subsequently sold.