Presque Isle LST-678

Presque Isle


(LST-678: dp. 4,080 (f.); 1. 328'; b. 50'; dr. 14'1"; s. 11.6 k.;
cpl. 119; a. 8 40mm.; cl. LST-611.)

LST - 78 was laid down 29 April 1944 by American Bridge Co., Ambridge, Pa., Iaunehed 16 June 1944; and commissioned 30 June 1944.

Following shakedown in the Gulf of Mexico, LST - 78 proceeded via the Panama Canal and San Diego to Pearl Harbor which she departed 24 January 1945 to participate in the invasion of Iwo Jima. Named Presque Isle (APB-44) on 31 March 1945, she provided logistic support for the Iwo Jima campaign from 22 February to 3 March. At Saipan, she prepared for the invasion of Okinawa. At Okinawa, she participated in a diversionary landing on the southern coast 1 April 1945, and that day rescued 188 men from LST-884 which had been hit by a kamikaze. On the 2nd she was assigned tender, housing, and supply duties. Departing Okinawa 8 July, she spent the remainder of the war at San Pedro and Subie Bays, Philippines.

Decommissioned 18 April 1947, she entered the Atlantic Reserve Fleet. Named Presque Jsle in 1955, she remained there until struck from the Naval Vessel Register 1 May 1959.

LST-1114 became Presque Isle (AKS-19) on 8 January 1945, became Vanderburgh (AKS-19) on 17 February 1945, and Vanderburgh (APB-48) (q.v.) on 31 March 1945.