Ray K. Edwards APD-96

Ray K. Edwards

(APD-96: dp. 2,130 (f.); 1. 306'0"; b. 37'0"; dr. 12'7"; s.23 k.; cpl. 201, tr. 162; a. 1 5", 6 40mm., 6 20mm., 2 dct.; cl.Crosley)

Ray K. Edwards (DE-237) was laid down 1 December 1943 by the Charleston Navy Yard, Charleston, S.C., Launched 19 February 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Lena M. Edwards; reclassified APD-96 on 17 July 1944, and commissioned 11 June 1945, Lt. Caldwell R. Keyser in command.

Following shakedown off Guantanamo, Ray K. Edwards steamed for the Pacific, reaching San Diego 21 August and Pearl Harbor 12 September. There she became flagship of Transport Division 104. She departed Pearl 14 September for Eniwetok and Okinawa, whence she steamed to Japan. She sailed through Bungo Suido and anchored in Fukuru Wan, 8 October, to replenish minesweepers, LST's and LCI's assigned to that area. She remained in Japan through the end of 1945.

Returning to the United States, Ray K. Edwards transited the Panama Canal on 24 April 1946 and, after inport periods at Boston, Jaeksonville, and Charieston, she was towed to Mayport, Fla., where she arrived on 13 August 1946. Decommissioned 30 August 1946 and berthed at Green Cove Springs, Fla., she was struck from the Navy list 1 June 1960, and sold on 15 June 1961 to Diamond Manufacturing Co., Georgia.