From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

Brule is a county in South Dakota.

(APA-66: dp. 4247: l. 426'; b. 58'; dr. 16'; s. 16.9 k.; cpl. 320; a. 1 5"; cl. Gilliam)

The first Brule (APA-66) was launched 30 June 1944 by Consolidated Steel Corp., Ltd., Wilmington, Calif., under a Maritime Commission contract; sponsored by Miss Patricia Moreell, daughter of Vice Admiral Ben Moreell; acquired 31 October 1944; and commissioned the same day, Commander E. Fluhr, USNR, in command.

Brule joined Transport Squadron 16 and departed San Pedro 26 November 1944 for Pearl Harbor. Between December 1944 and March 1945 she conducted training exercises in the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands. From April 1945 until the cessation of hostilities Brule carried troops and supplies between various bases in the Bonins, Marianas, Marshalls, Philippines, and Solomons. After the war's end she operated with the 7th Fleet during the occupation of Korea and China.

In November 1945 Brule became a unit of the "Magic Carpet" fleet. While at Yokosuka, during one of her voyages, Brule was ordered to prepare for assignment to the target fleet at Bikini for Operation Crossroads. She completed her run from Yokosuka to Pearl Harbor and then commenced preparation for the operation.

Brule survived the atomic bomb tests at Bikini and following the test period was decommissioned and maintained for radiological and structural studies. She was destroyed by sinking 11 May 1948.