Concept/Program: WWI-era tug-type minesweepers adapted for seaplane support duties without major modifications. These were auxiliary tenders, meant primarily for duties such as seaplane towing, logistics, patrol and rescue, rather than fully-capable maintenance tenders.
Design/Conversion: Tug-type ships. There was no real conversion, just a re-outfitting done at the time of commissioning or recommissioning. The aft working deck was used for seaplane servicing; the boat and salvage/towing hoisting booms were used for seaplane hoisting. Other facilities remained unchanged. They retained their ability as tugs, although minesweeping equipment was removed.
Modifications: No known modifications in seaplane service other than fitting of additional AA guns during WWII. Up to 4 20 mm AA, several MGs, and depth charge racks may have been fitted.
Classification: Most, probably all, designated "minesweeper for duty with aircraft" 30 April 1931. All reclassified as seaplane tenders (AVP) 22 January 1936. These designations were paperwork changes only; the ships had operated in seaplane roles for many years prior to the changes.
Operational: Most had served as minesweepers, clearing the North Sea mine barrage, in WWI, but some served in seaplane roles from commissioning. Most decommissioned in the 1920's (many at Cavite and Pearl Harbor), then recommissioned a few years later as seaplane support ships were needed. Commonly operated with the larger seaplane tenders prior to WWII. Could hoist older, smaller seaplanes aboard, but could not hoist newer, larger flying boats. Before WWII, and especially during the war, many operated on non-seaplane duties on a temporary or permanent basis. Other duties typically included towing, salvage, target tug, transport and logistics, escort, patrol and rescue.
Departure from Service/Disposal: All were heavily worn by the end of WWII, and were discarded immediately postwar.
Initially operated as convoy escort, then as minesweeper, including clearing North Sea mine barrage. Decommissioned to reserve 11 April 1922. Recommissioned 1 September 1932 for aircraft support duties. Redesignated AVP 1 22 January 1936. Supported Atlantic seaplanes early in WWII, then served mostly in training after 1943.
Decommissioned 29 November 1945, stricken for disposal 1946. Sold 19 August 1946 and subsequently scrapped.
Initially served as a minesweeper, including clearing the North Sea mine barrage. Decommissioned to reserve 6 April 1922. Recommissioned for seaplane duties 18 December 1924. Used in many roles, including patrol, survey and target towing, in addition to seaplane support. Redesignated AVP 2 22 January 1936.
Bombed by Japanese aircraft 31 December 1941 near the Philippines. Retreated to Australia early in the war, then advanced through the southwest Pacific with US invasion forces; used as a salvage ship and fuels transport at times.
Decommissioned at Subic Bay 12 February 1946, stricken for disposal 1946. Transferred from Navy custody for overseas disposal 7/1947. Final fate unknown, but probably sold and scrapped.
Initially used as a minesweeper, including clearing the North Sea mine barrage. Decommissioned to reserve 3 April 1922. Recommissioned for seaplane duties 31 October 1935 and outfitted at Mare Island Navy Yard. Redesignated AVP 3 22 January 1936. Served mainly as a seaplane tender, but was also employed in duties such salvage, towing, supply, survey and training.
Surveyed at Boston 11/1945 and found to be beyond economical repair; decommissioned 23 November 1945, stricken for disposal 8 January 1946. Transferred to Maritime Commission 19 August 1946, sold into merchant service as Semper Paratus (probably as salvage tug) 21 August 1946. Renamed Cyrenaica I 1950. Sunk 10 March 1951.
Initially served as a minesweeper, including clearing the North Sea mine barrage. Laid up in reduced commission at San Pedro after 1 March 1920; subsqeuntly transferred to several other ports under tow, while remaining in reduced commission. Decommissioned to reserve 3 April 1922.
Recommissioned for seaplane duties 8 September 1925. Grounded in a typhoon 26 August 1928; refloated 29 August with minor damage. Designated "minesweeper for duty with aircraft" 30 April 1931. Redesignated AVP 4 22 January 1936. Throughout the 1920's and 1930's the ship carried out general support duties, including towing, salvage, transport, target towing, seaplane support, etc.
Was at Pearl Harbor 7 December 1941. Carried out general seaplane support duties throughout WWII. Surveyed at Seattle 11/1945 and found to be beyond economical repair; decommissioned 10 December 1945, stricken for disposal 3 January 1946. Sold into merchant service as a hulk 12 December 1946 and survived through at least 1950 prior to being scrapped.
Initially used as a minesweeper, including clearing the North Sea mine barrage. Modified for seaplane duties 11/1919. Designated "minesweeper for duty with aircraft" 30 April 1931. Redesignated AVP 5 22 January 1936. Operated on general seaplane duties throughout the her career.
Decommissioned 25 August 1945, stricken for disposal 4 December 1945. Transferred to the Maritime Commission and sold 19 January 1948, and subsequently scrapped.
Initially served as a minesweeper, including clearing the North Sea mine barrage. Severely damaged and nearly sunk by mines 20 April 1919; temporary repairs at Scapa Flow and permanent repairs at Newcastle-on-Tyne. Decommissioned to reserve 3 May 1922. Recommissioned for seaplane, escort and general auxiliary duties 17 August 1922, and performed these duties throughout her career. Redesignated AVP 6 22 January 1936.
Decommissioned 30 November 1945, stricken for disposal 19 December 1945. Sold 11/1946 and subsequently scrapped.
Initially served as a minesweeper. Decommissioned to reserve 23 May 1922. Recommissioned 23 June 1923. Designated "minesweeper for duty with aircraft" 30 April 1931, but it is not clear if she actually served in aviation roles. Decommissioned to reserve 21 December 1933 but recommissioned for seaplane duties 2 April 1934. Redesignated AVP 7 22 January 1936.
Was on the marine railway at Pearl Harbor 7 December 1941, but was relaunched by the end of the day. Assisted in post-attack salvage, then served in general towing, salvage, transport and support roles throughout the war, especially in target towing. Surveyed at Boston 11/1945 and found to be unfit for service, decommissioned 13 December 1945, stricken for disposal 8 January 1946. Transferred to the Maritime Commission for disposal 12 October 1946. Final fate unknown but probably sold and scrapped.
Assigned to seaplane duties immediately upon completion, but also served in towing, salvage, transport and general support duties. Designated "minesweeper for duty with aircraft" 30 April 1931. Redesignated AVP 8 22 January 1936.
Torpedoed and sunk by U-653 off Bermuda 7 June 1942 while searching for a torpedoed freighter.
Assigned to seaplane duties immediately upon completion, but also served in towing, salvage, transport and general support duties. Redesignated AVP 9 22 January 1936.
Decommissioned 18 December 1945, stricken for disposal 17 April 1946. Transferred to the Maritime Commission for disposal 12 October 1946, subequently sold and scrapped.
Concept/Program: Obsolete WWI-era "flush deck" destroyers converted to small seaplane tenders as an emergency measure pending availability of purpose-built ships. These ships were considered too old and too small to serve as effective front-line escorts. Following the commissioning of proper seaplane tenders, these vessels were redistributed in several different roles.
Class: These ships were drawn from several of the original "Flush Decker" classes.
Design/Conversion: Conversion typically involved removal of the forward two boilers and funnels, enlargement of the bridge superstructure to the rear, addition of aviation fuel tanks, spares and equipment storage, etc, and removal of the torpedo tubes. Aircraft servicing boats were carried aft. Two of the original 4/50 guns were removed, along with the original 3/23 AA. Some units retained the other two 4/50 guns, while others had them replaced by 3/50 DP guns. There were no facilities for hoisting seaplanes aboard for servicing.
Variations: These ships were of diverse backgrounds and the conversions were done on a rushed basis, so there were many variations, both major and minor. In at least one unit all four of the original boilers were retained. The light AA battery was highly variable.
Modifications: No modifications while in service as seaplane tenders, but extensive modifications when transferred to other roles.
Classification: Initially classed as small seaplane tenders (AVP), but changed to destroyer-seaplane tenders (AVD) 2 August 1920. This change reflected the fact that the ships were expected to undertake patrol and escort activities in addition to seaplane support duties.
Operational: Early in the war these ships operated throughout the Pacific, establishing, supporting and evacuating advance bases as needed. Later in the war they frequently operated with larger seaplane tenders (AV), and in those cases often served as utility, patrol and rescue vessels and established temporary advance bases.
Departure from Service/Disposal: Starting in 1943 these vessels were replaced as seaplane tenders and began to serve in other roles including convoy escort, offensive ASW, local patrol, plane guard and shakedown support for escort carriers, training, etc. Ships were re-outfitted for their new roles, but no major re-conversions were undertaken. Most were reclassified as destroyers (DD) in 1943. Several were again reclassified and converted as high speed transports (APD) in 1944, supporting amphibious operations. The APDs returned to auxiliary roles late in the war and most were again reclassified as destroyers in 1945. All were rapidly decommissioned at the end of hostilities and were sold for scrapping within a year.
Redesignated AVP 14 1 July 1938; converted at Philadelphia Navy Yard 1938-39. Designation changed to AVD 1 2 August 1940. Conversion to APD cancelled 5/1944.
Served as a training ship after 9/44. Decommissioned 10 December 1945, stricken for disposal 3 January 1946. Sold 5/1946 and subsequently scrapped.
Redesignated AVP 15 1 July 1938; converted at Philadelphia Navy Yard 1938-39. Designation changed to AVD 2, 2 August 1940.
Served as a plane guard and trials escort ship starting 1/1943. Redesignated DD 244 1 December 1943. During 5/1944 ship was equipped for underway refueling of battleship and cruiser floatplanes in order to increase the operating endurance of gunfire spotting aircraft. Deployed in this role 5/1944 to 8/1944, then resumed plane guard and escort duties for the remainder of the war.
Decommissioned 8 November 1945, stricken for disposal 19 Decmeber 1945. Sold 17 October 1946 and scrapped at Philadelphia in 1948.
Decommissioned to reserve 11 August 1922. Reactivated and served with US Coast Guard 10/1930 to 21 May 1934 for Prohibition duty, then returned to reserve. Redesignated AVP 16 1 October 1939; converted at Philadelphia Navy Yard and recommissioned 8 January 1940. Designation changed to AVD 3 2 August 1940.
Re-outfitted as a destroyer at Norfolk Navy Yard and served as a convoy escort and offensive ASW ship starting 1/1943. Redesignated DD 196 4 November 1943. Redesignated APD 33 14 May 1944; converted at Charleston Navy Yard. Redesignated DD 196 20 July 1945; probably not refitted for destroyer roles.
Decommissioned 3 October 1945, stricken for disposal 24 October 1945. Sold and scrapped 6/1946.
Decommissioned to reserve 30 June 1922. Redesignated AVP 17 16 November 1939; converted (probably at Philadelphia Navy Yard) and recommissioned 12 July 1940. Designation changed to AVD 4 2 August 1920.
Refitted as a destroyer for ASW service 2/1943; redesignated DD 186 1 December 1943. Redesignated APD 31 1 May 1944; converted at Charleston Navy Yard. Redesignated DD 186 17 July 1945 and partially refitted as a destroyer but decommissioned 12 October 1945. Stricken for disposal 24 October 1945. Sold 21 November 1946 and subsequently scrapped.
Decommissioned to reserve 14 July 1922. Redesignated AVP 18 15 November 1939; converted at New York Navy Yard and recommissioned 1 July 1940. Designation changed to AVD 5 2 August 1920. Redesignated DD 188 1 December 1943 and served in offensive ASW groups. Redesignated APD 32 7 March 1944; converted at Charleston Navy Yard. Redesignated DD 188 10 July 1945; not refitted for destroyer duties. Decommissioned 11 October 1945, stricken for disposal 24 October 1945. Sold 21 November 1946 and subsequently scrapped.
Decommissioned to reserve 17 October 1934. Redesignated AVP 19 11/1939; converted at New York Navy Yard and recommissioned 14 June 1940. Designation changed to AVD 6 2 August 1920.
Redesignated DD 342 1 Dec 1943; served mostly in plane guard and trials escort roles. Decommissioned 2 November 1945, stricken for disposal 28 November 1945. Sold 10/1946 and subsequently scrapped.
Conversion to APD cancelled 5/1944. Served as plane guard and trials escort ship from 11/1944 to the end of the war. Decommissioned 6 December 1945, stricken for disposal 3 January 1946. Sold 6 November 1946 and subsequently scrapped.
Served as a plane guard and trials escort ship 1943-44. Redesignated DD 251 14 November 1943. Redesignated APD 34 22 June 1944 and converted. Struck by Kamikaze off Okinawa 11 January 1945 resulting in serious damage and crippling the ship. Towed to port for temporary repairs, then returned to the US for decommissioning, as the damage was judged not worth repairing. Decommissioned 4 August 1945, stricken for disposal 13 August 1945. Sold 30 November 1945 and subsequently scrapped.
Decommissioned to reserve 24 Juen 1922. Redesignated AVD 9 2 August 1940; converted (probably at Philadelphia Navy Yard) and recommissioned 22 November 1940. Served as an ASW escort in the Atlantic after 6/1942.
Redesignated DD 255 14 November 1943. Redesignated APD 35 22 June 1944 and converted at Charleston Navy Yard. Supported amphibious operations in the Mediterranean, then served as an escort in the Atlantic and later in the Pacific.
Decommissioned 8 January 1946, stricken for disposal 21 January 1946. Sold 17 June and subsequently scrapped.
Decommissioned to reserve 17 July 1922. Recommissioned "in ordinary" 25 June 1940 for transfer to Bethlehem San Francisco for conversion. Redesignated AVD 10 2 August 1940; recommissioned 2 January 1941.
Served as a plane guard and trials escort ship from 12/1943 to the end of the war, except one combat deployment 5/1944-12/1944. Decommissioned 5 December 1945, stricken for disposal 1946. Sold 23 May 1946 and subsequently scrapped.
Decommissioned to reserve 24 May 1940. Recommissioned "in ordinary" 24 June 1940 for transfer to Bethlehem San Francisco for conversion. Redesignated AVD 11 2 August 1940; recommissioned 5 March 1941. In major collision with oilers Ashtabula and Escalante off Okinawa 5 April 1945. Suffered very severe damage; surveyed 14 April 1945 and recommended for immediate decommissioning. Beached and decommissioned 2 May 1945; stripped of all useable parts, stricken 13 August 1945 and abandoned. Hulk declared to be the property of the Ryukyu Islands 7/1957.
Decommissioned to reserve 26 May 1922. Recommissioned "in ordinary" 28 June 1940 for transfer to shipyard (probably Bethlehem San Francisco) for conversion. Redesignated AVD 12 2 August 1940; recommissioned 25 March 1941. This ship retained all her boilers and funnels following conversion.
Served as a plane guard and trials escort ship starting 4/1944, but deployed to support amphibious operations 2/1945. Decommissioned 15 October 1945, stricken for disposal 1 November 1945. Sold 29 January 1946 and subsequently sold.
Decommissioned to reserve 17 June 1922. Recommissioned "in ordinary" 28 June 1940 for transfer to shipyard (probably Bethlehem San Francisco) for conversion. Redesignated AVD 13 2 August 1940; recommissioned 6 April 1941.
Refitted for ASW service 7/1942. Redesignated DD 266 11/1943. Redesignated APD 36 1 Feb 1944; converted at Charleston Navy Yard. Served as an escort from 7/44 to the end of the war. Driven ashore near Okinawa by a typhoon 9 October 1945, destroyed. Decommissioned 23 November 1945, stripped of all usable materials, stricken 5 December 1945 and abandoned.
Was out of commission, in reserve, during 1931. Redesignated AVD 14 2 August 1940 and converted, probably at Philadelphia Navy Yard; recommissioned 5 October 1941. Early in WWII served as a patrol & ASW ship, and an evacuation transport, in the Pacific. Seriously damaged by Japanese aircraft 16 October 1942; in repairs through 3/1943. Was outfitted as a destroyer by 8/1943, probably during battle damage repairs; fitted with 14 20 mm AA. Redesignated DD 237 1 December 1943. Served as a plane guard and trials escort ship for the rest of the war.
Decommissioned 8 November 1945, stricken for disposal 19 December 1945. Sold 29 October 1946 and subsequently scrapped.
Concept/Program: First (and only) purpose-built small seaplane tenders in USN. They were meant to operate in small, forward-area harbors and atolls, so they were fast, heavily armed and of shallow draft. They were also meant to serve as escorts for heavy seaplane tenders while deploying to combat areas. These ships were exceptionally versatile, and served in a wide variety of roles during and after WWII.
Design: Relatively small, compact design with heavy armament, high speed, and extensive repair and supply facilities. A single heavy crane aft, intended to hoist seaplanes aboard, was replaced by a lighter boat crane in many units.
Variations: There were extensive variations in 5" gun armament; units were completed with anywhere from 1 to 4 5/38 mounts. The original planned 5/38 armament was two guns, later increased to 4 mounts, but few carried so many heavy guns. As was typical during the war, the number of 20 mm guns fluctuated widely, but 6 or 8 single mounts, or 4 dual mounts, seems to have been a late-war standard.
Abescon was completed as a training ship for pilots of cruiser and battleship floatplanes. She had a catapult and two seaplane cranes taken from converted Cleveland class light cruisers fitted aft, in place of the normal seaplane servicing facilities.
Conversion, Reclassification, Modification and Disposal: Even during WWII there were more AVPs under construction than were needed in the fleet; postwar all of these ships were surplus. Therefore they were used in an exceptionally wide variety of roles during and after WWII. These roles are listed below, regardless of whether they were seaplane-related.
Seaplane Tenders (AVP) The unconverted ships were surplus postwar, and almost all went into reserve in 1946. Several remained active in non-seaplane roles (see below), and many were reactivated for USCG service. A few remained in service as seaplane tenders.
Catapult Training Ship (AVP) One ship converted for training while building. Decommissioned in 1946 and later transferred to the Coast Guard with the other AVPs.
Torpedo Boat Tenders (AGP) Four ships converted to AGPs while building. All left service in 1946, and were transferred out of the Navy immediately (one returned to USN in 1949).
Amphibious Command Ship (AGC) One ship converted to the command role following completion. She was transferred to the Coast Guard in 1946.
Survey (AGS) and Oceanographic Research Ships (AGOR) Two ships converted to survey ships, and one to an oceanographic research ship, all postwar.
Command Ships (AVP/AGF) Three ships were converted as Mideast command ships post-WWII, but only one survived to be redesignated as a flagship (AGF).
Press Ships (AG) Three ships were designated for conversion to carry reporters covering the planned invasion of the Japanese home islands. This program was cancelled at the end of the war; the partially-converted ships were returned to their original configuration and redesignated as seaplane tenders.
Ocean Station Cutters (Coast Guard) 14 "straight" AVPs and 4 converted ships (2 AGPs, 1 catapult training AVP, 1 AGC) were transferred to the Coast Guard soon after WWII. The AGPs and AGC were transferred upon decommissioning in 1946 and were renamed in USCG service. The AVPs had been decommissioned in 1946; they were reactivated and transferred 1948-1949, but were not re-named. The AGPs, AGC and one AVP were permanent transfers; the other AVPs were on loan. These ships were first designated WAVP, then WHEC (high endurance cutters). All were converted to a standard configuration for Coast Guard service: 1 5/38 mount, 2 twin 40 mm AA, 2 twin 20 mm, Hedgehog, depth charge throwers; cranes removed, new mast fitted aft, small hangar for weather balloons added aft. The 20 mm guns were removed in 1957; 2 triple 12.75 inch ASW torpedo tubes were added during the 1960's. The WAVPs served primarily as ocean station cutters and offshore patrol ships.
Four ships were reclassified as training, oceanographic or weather cutters. All of these ships left service 1967-75: 5 returned to USN and expended as targets, 7 to South Vietnam, several to scrap, and one to reserve. Additional transfers to South Vietnam cancelled due to fall of that nation.
Coast & Geodetic Survey One AGP (ex-AVP) transferred to this organization immediately postwar and served as a survey ship.
Foreign Transfers One AGP (ex-AVP) to Italy as a special forces support ship, one AVP to Ethiopia (role unknown, possibly flagship), one AGOR (ex-AVP) to Greece as a research ship, and one AVP to Norway as a training ship. Seven ex-USCG units went to South Vietnam as patrol ships; of these ships six escaped to the Philippines in 1975 and four joined that Navy, and one was captured and commissioned by the North Vietnamese.
Operated on seaplane duties throughout the war, except the first half of 1943 as a transport. Inactive after 15 Janaury 1946, decommissioned to reserve 17 May 1946.
Stricken for disposal 23 May 1958. Sold into merchant service as Greek cruise shipKentavros in 1962. Scrapped at Eleusis in 1986.
Served as seaplane tender until 26 April 1943 when she became the flagship of Commander, Landing Craft and Bases, Northwest African Waters. Outfitted as a command ship at Mers-el-Kebir 2 May 1943 - 31 May 1943; redesignated AGC 18 10 October 1944.
Served as a command ship through the remainder of WWII; served as accomodations ship at Annapolis early in 1946. Decommissioned 29 June 1946 and transferred to USCG as Dexter (WAVP 385) 19 July 1946. Re-engined 1957, designation changed to WHEC 385 1 May 1966.
Returned to USN 1968 and sunk as a target.
Torpedoed at Nazan Bay, Alaska, 30 August 1942 with severe damaged; beached to prevent sinking. Salvaged 12 September 1942, temporary repairs at Dutch Harbor and Kodiak; permanent repairs at Puget Sound through 3/1943. Served on seaplane duties throughout the war.
Decommissioned to reserve 10 April 1947. Loaned to USCG as WAVP 370 19 April 1949. Designation changed to WHEC 370 1 May 1966.
Returned to USN 1969 and sunk as a target.
Served on seaplane duties for most of WWII, and tender PT boats late in the war. Decommissioned to reserve 1/1947. Loaned to USCG as WAVP 371 19 April 1949. Designation changed to WHEC 371 1 May 1966.
Returned to USN 1968 and sunk as a target.
Served in seaplane roles throughout the war, including extensive service as a trans-Atlantic transport for aviation supplies and parts. Conversion to press ship started at Philadelphia Navy Yard 16 July 1945, redesignated AG 121 30 July 1945. Conversion cancelled 25 August 1945; reconverted to seaplane tender and redesignated AVP 21, date unknown.
Apparently inactive after 22 November 1945, decommissioned to reserve 17 March 1947. Loaned to USCG as WAVP 372 24 January 1949. Designation changed to WHEC 372 1 May 1966.
Stricken for disposal 1970; sold and subsequently scrapped in Italy.
Served in seaplane roles throughout the war. Conversion to press ship started at New York Navy Yard 10 July 1945, redesignated AG 122 30 July 1945. Conversion cancelled 25 August 1945; reconverted to seaplane tender and redesignated AVP 22 10 September 1945.
Decommissioned to reserve 20 February 1946. Loaned to USCG as WAVP 373 7 March 1949. Designation changed to WHEC 373 1 May 1966.
Returned to USN 1968, stricken 1 July 1968, and sunk as a target.
Fitted with a seaplane catapult and two cruiser-type seaplane cranes. Had 2 5/38 mounts; did not carry any 40 mm mounts. Served exclusively as a training ship for pilots of cruiser and battleship floatplanes.
Decommissioned to reserve 19 March 1947. Loaned to USCG as WAVP 374 5 January 1949. Designation changed to WHEC 374 1 May 1966.
Transferred to South Vietnam 15 June 1972 as Tham Ngu Lao (HQ 03). Captured by North Vietnam 5/1975, renamed Pham Ngu Lao (HQ 01) and recommissioned. Eventually fitted with 2 SS-N-2 SSM and Soviet light guns. Reported to be operational in 1995.
Operated on seaplane duties throughout WWII. Seriously damaged by Japanese aircraft 16 July 1943 in the Santa Cruz Islands; towed to Espiritu Santo for emergency repairs; permanent repairs at San Francisco.
Decommissioned to reserve 21 December 1946. Loaned to USCG as WAVP 375 7 March 1949. Designation changed to WHEC 375 1 May 1966.
Transferred to South Vietnam 21 June 1972 as Ly Thoung Kiet (HQ 05). Fled to the Philippines 4/1975 and commissioned in Philippine service as Andres Bonifacio (PF 7); formally sold to the Philippines 5 April 1976. Decommissioned 6/1985 due to very poor condition, but reactivated as a fleet flagship. Was barely capable of getting underway in 1992 and apparently is no longer in commission.
Served in seaplane roles throughout WWII. Decommissioned to reserve 30 April 1946. Loaned to USCG as WAVP 376 5 January 1949. Designation changed to WHEC 376 1 May 1966.
Returned to USN 1967 and sunk as a target 9 January 1968.
Served in seaplane roles throughout WWII. Apparently inactive after 1 December 1945, decommissioned to reserve 4 September 1946. Loaned to USCG as WAVP 378 14 Sept 1948. Designation changed to WHEC 378 1 May 1966.
Decommissioned 15 July 1969, sold 18 June 1970 and subsequently scrapped in Italy.
Decommissioned, stricken and transferred to the Commerce Department 21 August 1946 for further transfer to Coast & Geodetic Survey (later National Geologic Survey) as Pioneer. Sold 4 May 1966 and subsequently scrapped.
Decommissioned 26 March 1946, stricken for disposal 12 April 1946, transferred to the Maritime Commission 12 August 1946. Reacquired by the Navy 3 January 1949 and reinstated on the NVR as AVP 28 16 March 1949, laid up in reserve.
Transferred to Italy 23 October 1957 as Pietro Cavezale (A5301); served as support ship for special forces and tender to landing craft. Remained in service long past planned retirement date. Finally stricken for disposal 31 March 1994. Subsequently sold and scrapped.
Conversion to press ship (AG 123) at Boston Navy Yard cancelled 24 August 1945. Served in seaplane roles throughout the war. Conversion to press ship started at Boston Navy Yard mid-1945, redesignated AG 123 30 July 1945. Conversion cancelled 25 August 1945; reconverted to seaplane tender and redesignated AVP 27, date unknown.
Decommissioned to reserve 21 March 1946. Loaned to USCG as WAVP 377 24 December 1948. Designation changed to WHEC 377 1 May 1966. Converted to oceanographic cutter and redesignated WAGO 377 in 1966.
Sold 25 October 1973 and subsequently scrapped.
Served in aviation duties throughout WWII. Inactive after 25 March 1946, decommissioned to reserve 13 January 1947.
Converted to survey ship, recommissioned 17 September 1948; redesignated AGS 30 25 August 1949. Decommissioned 29 May 1969, stricken for disposal 1 June 1969. Temporarily loaned to the Ocean Science Center of the Atlantic Commission, at Savannah, Georgia. Sold 14 September 1971; ultimate fate unknown.
Planed for transfer to South Vietnam, but decommissioned to reserve 29 May 1975. Recommissioned 1977 as WHEC 379 to patrol the 200 mile Economic Exclusion Zone. Decommissioned 29 April 1988, returned to USN for disposal. Scuttled as a reef, date unknown. Was the last seaplane-type ship in US service.
Served on seaplane duties throughout WWII. Decommissioned to reserve 17 April 1946. Loaned to USCG as WAVP 380 31 August 1948, refitted at Hunter's Point Naval Shipyard, recommissioned in USCG service 23 November 1948. Designation changed to WHEC 380 1 May 1966.
Operated off South Vietnam starting in 1967. Returned to USN 1970 and transferred to South Vietnam 1 January 1971 as Tran Nhat Duat (HQ 16). Fled to the Philippines April 1975 and acquired by the Philippine Navy 6 April 1976 as a parts hulk. Fate unknown.
Saw brief service as a seaplane tender during WWII. Decommissioned to reserve 24 July 1946. Loaned to USCG as WAVP 381 17 Sept 1948. Designation changed to WHEC 381 1 May 1966.
Stricken 12 November 1970; subsequently disposed of.
Served in seaplane roles througout WWII. Decommissioned to reserve 21 June 1946. Loaned to USCG as WAVP 382 14 Sept 1948. Designation changed to WHEC 382 1 May 1966.
Transferred to South Vietnam 1 January 1971 as Tran Quang Khai (HQ 15). Fled to the Philippines 4/1975 and commissioned in Philippine service as Diego Silang (PF 9); formally sold to the Philippines 5 April 1976. Decommissioned 6/1985 due to very poor condition. May still exist as a hulk.
Served in seaplane and escort duties during WWII. Decommissioned to reserve 6 August 1946. Loaned to USCG as WAVP 383 16 September 1948. Designation changed to WHEC 383 1 May 1966.
Transferred to South Vietnam 21 December 1971 as Tran Binh Trong (HQ 17). Fled to the Philippines 4/1975 and commissioned in Philippine service as Francisco Dagohoy (PF 10) in 1979; formally sold to the Philippines 5 April 1976. Decommissioned 6/1985 due to very poor condition. May still exist as a hulk.
Brief service in seaplane, escort and rescue duties during WWII. Decommissioned to reserve 31 March 1946. Transferred to USCG as WAVP 384 20 September 1948. Designation changed to WHEC 384 1 May 1966.
Transferred to South Vietnam 21 December 1971 as Tran Quoc Toan (HQ 02). Fled to the Philippines April 1975 and acquired by the Philippine Navy 6 April 1976 as a parts hulk. Fate unknown.
Served in seaplane roles late in WWII. Decommissioned to reserve 21 June 1946; recommissioned 13 February 1951 as a seaplane tender in the western Pacific. Decommissioned to reserve 9 March 1956. Stricken for disposal 1 April 1966 and sunk as a target.
Served as general support and supply ship during WWII, and as a seaplane tender postwar. Serveda as Persian Gulf/Middle East command ship from 1950.
Decommissioned 30 April 1966, stricken for disposal 1 May 1966. Subsequently disposed of.
Served as a seaplane tender during and after WWII. Decommissioned 1 February 1958, stricken for transfer 1 May 1958. Transferred Norway 17 May 1958 as training ship Haakon VII (A537). Stricken for disposal 1974; subsequently sold and scrapped.
Served as a seaplane tender during and after WWII. Decommissioned to reserve 26 February 1960, stricken for disposal 1 March 1960. Sold 20 July 1960; subsequent fate unknown.
Operated as Persian Gulf/Middle East command ship after 1949. Decommissioned 1966, stricken 1 July 1966. Sold 21 June 1967 and subsequently scrapped.
All cancelled 22 April 1943 due to shortage of diesel engines. Had been assigned to Lake Washington SY for construction but had not been laid down.
Served in seaplane roles throughout WWII. Decommissioned to reserve June 1947; recommissioned January 1951 for Korea service. Decommissioned 22 April 1960, stricken for disposal 1 June 1960. Sold 18 October 1960; subsequent fate unknown.
Served in seaplane roles throughout WWII. Decommissioned 31 October 1947; recommissioned 15 December 1951 for Korea service. Decommissioned 3/1960. Transferred to Ethiopia 1/1962 as Ethiopia (A01). Role in Ethiopian service unknown, but may have been flagship. Fate unknown.
Served in seaplane roles throughout WWII. Decommissioned to reserve 30 June 1947. Converted to a survey ship , recommissioned 2 September 1948 Redesignated AGS 50 1 November 1949.
Decommissioned and stricken for disposal 15 April 1970. Subsequently disposed of.
Served in seaplane roles throughout WWII. Decommissioned to reserve 30 June 1947. Taken out of reserve for conversion to oceanographic research ship 11 July 1958, converted at Mobile Ship Repair Co., Mobile, AL. Redesignated AGOR 1 and renamed Josiah Willard Gibbs 15 December 1958, placed in service 18 December 1958. Operated under MSTS/MSC as T-AGOR 1 with civilian crew.
Placed out of service and stricken 7 Dec 1971, transferred to Greece 15 December 1971 as Hephaistos (A413). Decommissioned in 1976; fate unknown.
Served in seaplane roles throughout WWII. Decommissioned to reserve 18 July 1954.
Stricken for disposal 1 May 1960, sold into merchant service as Greek cruise ship Kypros 20 December 1960. Renamed Myconos, then Artemis, then Artemis K. in 1974, then Princess in 1978, then Golden Princess. Sank at Perama, Greece, while laid up, 15 January 1981.
Served in seaplane roles during and after WWII. Place in reserve, in commission 10 May 1955, decommissioned to reserve 5 August 1955. Stricken for disposal 1 April 1966 and sunk as a target 10/1966.
Tended Atlantic seaplanes throughout her career. Decommissioned to reserve 18 August 1954.
Stricken for disposal 1 May 1960, sold into merchant service as Greek cruise ship Rodos 20 December 1960. Scrapped at Eleusis, Greece in 1989.
Served as Persian Gulf/Middle East command ship after 1949. Collided with merchant ship 14 May 1951; severe damage and fire resulted, and the ship nearly sank. Repaired at Norfolk Navy Yard through 4 December 1951; facilties upgraded for flagship role. Designation changed to AGF 1 15 December 1965. Became permanent Middle East flagship in 1971.
Decommissioned and stricken 15 January 1973 but retained for use as a test hulk. Sold 5/1977 and subsequently scrapped.
Decommissioned 10 May 1946 and transferred to USCG as McCulloch (WAVP 386) 27 May 1946; stricken 5 June 1946. Designation changed to WHEC 386 1 May 1966.
Transferred to South Vietnam 21 June 1972 as Ngo Kuyen (HQ 06). Fled to the Philippines 4/1975 and commissioned in Philippine service as Gregorio de Pilar (PF 8); formally sold to the Philippines 5 April 1976. Decommissioned 6/1985 due to very poor condition. May still exist as a hulk.
Decommissioned 26 June 1946 and transferred to USCG as Gresham (WAVP 387) upon decommissioning; stricken 19 July 1946. Designation changed to WHEC 387 1 May 1966. Converted to weather ship and redesignated WAGW 387 1969; 5/38 mount removed.
Decommissioned, transferred to Maritime Administration 21 May 1973 for disposal, sold 25 October 1973 and subsequently scrapped.
The following information has not been located in any references I can find. Most of this information pertains to disposal of the ships which were transferred to the Coast Guard; recordkeeping on such ships does not seem to be as good as USN recordkeeping.
What: Date recommissioned in USCG service
Ships: All WAVP, and recommission date for WHEC 379's 1977
recommissioning.
What: Date reclassified
Ships: WAVP/WHEC 377 (to WAGO 377), WAVP/WHEC 387 (to WAGW 387)
What: Date decommissioned from USCG service
Ships: all WAVP/WHEC and derivatives (WTR, WAGW, WAGO)
What: Date decommissioned from USN/MSC service
Ships: AGOR 1, AVP 41
What: Date stricken from NVR
Ships: All WAVP/WHEC and derivatives, AGP 6/AVP 28 (second
strike), AVP 49, AGOR 1
What: Date of transfer to foreign nation
Ships: AVP 49 (Ethiopia)
What: Final fate
Ships: AGS 50, AVP 21, 33, 38, 40
What: Fate after sale
Ships: AGS 30, AVP 38, 48
What: Date Returned to USN for disposal/transfer
Ships: WAVP/WHEC 370, 371, 373, 375, 376, 379, 380, 383, 384, 385, 386
What: Date sunk as targets
Ships: WAVP/WHEC 370, 371, 373, 376, 379, 385; AVP 37
What: Fate following foreign transfer
Ships: AGOR 1 (Greece), AVP 49 (Ethiopia)
What: Fate following transfer to Philippines
Ships: ex-WHEC 375, 380, 382, 384 383, 386
Notes: My best information is that these ships mays still
exist as hulks.
What: Date of reclassification from AG back to AVP
Ships: AG 121 (AVP 21), AG 123 (AVP 29)
