Bootes AK-99

Bootes Is a constellation.

(AK-99: dp. 4356; 1. 441'6"; b. 56'11"; dr. 28'4"; s. 12.5
k.; cpl. 198; a. 1 5", 1 3"; cl. Crater)

Bootes (AK-99) was launched 16 May 1943 as Thoma8 Oliver Larkin by California Shipbuilding Corp., Wilmington, Calif., under a Maritime Commission contract; sponsored by Mrs. N. Toulain; transferred to the Navy 29 May 1943; commissioned 15 July 1943, Lieutenant Commander H. P. Bacon, USNR, in command; and reported to the Pacific Fleet.

Bootes made two cargo runs from the west coast to Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides, and Australia between 28 August 1943 and 6 February 1944. Thereafter, she carried cargo from Brisbane, Australia, to New Guinea, the Admiralties, and the Philippines. During 23 April16 May 1944 she took part in the landings at Aitape New Guinea. Bootes left Brisbane 23 August 1945; arrived In the Philippines 3 September; departed for Seattle 27 November; and arrived there 31 December 1945. She was decommissioned 22 April 1946 and returned to the Maritime Commission 11 September 1947.

Bootes received one battle star during World 'War II.