Bougainville
CVE -100: dp. 7800; 1. 512'3"; b. 108'1"; dr. 22'4";
s. 1g.3 k.; cpl. 860; a. 15''; cl. Ca8ablanca)
Bougainville (CVE~100) was launched 16 May 1944 by Kaiser Co., Inc., Vancouver, Wash., under ~ Maritilue Commission contract; sponsored by Mrs Sally M Montfort wife of captain Montfort, acquired 18 June 1944
and commissioned the same day, Captain C. A. Bond in command.
On 25 July 1944 Bougainville departed Elan Diego and steamed to Pearl Harbor where on 1 August she reported to Commander, Carrier Transport Squadron, Pacific Fleet. During the remainder of 1944 she transported aircraft to the Marshall, Admiralty, and Marianas Islands. Returning to San Diego 22 December she underwent a brief period of availability until 7 January 1945.
On 8 February 1945 Bougainville reported to Commander, Serviee Squadron 0, at Entwetok and for the next six months provided underway replenishment throughout the Western Pacific to the various Task of TFs 58 and 38. She rendesvoued with the~groups at sea and delivered planes, replacement pilots, and aircraft crews to the large fleetcarriers. During February and March 1945 she carried out replenishment operations with TG 60.8 during the Iwo Jima operation. Until June she provided vital logistic support to the units of the 5th and 3rd Fleets engaged in raids in support of the Okinawa operation.
In August' after a brief period of availability at San Diego, Bougainville returned to Pearl Harbor. During the remainder of the month she transported aircraft between Pearl Harbor and the Marshall and Marianas Islands.
In September she steamed to Okinawa where she remained until getting underway ~ October 1945 to deliver planes and occupation personnel to several Chinese ports, P`eturning to Okinawa on the 19th. she departed the following day for P,an Diego. At San Diego she underwent a brief yard period until 28 November and then made her ffnal voyage to Pearl Harbor and Eniv,-etok. She returned to San Diego 12 January 1946 and reported to the 19th Fleet rOr inactivation. She sailed from San Diego 19 January enroute to Port Angeles, Wash., and then to Taeoma. Bougainville was placed out of commission in reserve there 3 November 1946. She was reclassifled CVU-100 on 18 June 1955.
Bougainville received two battle stars for her World War II servlee.
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