USS Renville APA-227
The USS Renville (APA-227) was a Haskell-class attack transport built during World War II. Constructed by the Permanente Metals Corporation in Richmond, California, her keel was laid on September 19, 1944, and she was launched on November 25, 1944. This ship was part of a massive effort to boost the U.S. Navy's amphibious capabilities, reflecting the urgent need for vessels that could carry troops and equipment to battle zones worldwide.
Named after Renville County, Minnesota, the ship followed the Navy tradition of naming attack transports after U.S. counties. Renville County was named for Joseph Renville, a key figure in Minnesota's early history, known for his fur trading and involvement in the Dakota War of 1862. This connection honored the contributions and sacrifices of the region's people, tying the ship's identity to a broader American story.
The USS Renville was designed for amphibious operations. As a Haskell-class attack transport, she carried various landing craft, like LCVPs and LCMs, crucial for deploying troops and equipment onto hostile shores. The ship also had extensive medical facilities, cargo holds, and accommodations for over 1,500 troops, making her a versatile and vital asset in the Navy's amphibious warfare strategy.
The USS Renville's legacy in the U.S. Navy is marked by her significant contributions during and after World War II. She took part in key operations, including the Battle of Okinawa, one of the largest amphibious assaults in the Pacific Theater. After the war, she continued to serve, transporting troops during the Korean War and supporting post-war duties in Japan and China. Her service record exemplifies the critical role of attack transports in projecting American military power and supporting global operations.
Part of the Haskell-class, a subclass of the Victory ship design, the USS Renville was specifically adapted for amphibious assault missions. These ships were built to transport large numbers of troops, along with their equipment and supplies, to combat zones and facilitate their landing on enemy shores. Designed for speed and efficiency, they focused on rapid loading and unloading, crucial for successful amphibious operations.
Commissioned on December 15, 1944, the USS Renville quickly joined the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet. Under Captain John S. Lewis, she underwent shakedown training off California's coast before her first mission. Her commissioning marked the start of active service, during which she played a pivotal role in major military operations. This commissioning was a testament to the United States' industrial and military mobilization during World War II, showcasing the nation's ability to rapidly produce and deploy advanced naval vessels in response to global conflict.
USS Renville APA-227: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Renville (APA-227) was a Haskell-class attack transport, a ship built to carry troops and their gear to enemy shores. It was based on the VC2-S-AP5 Victory ship design, making it a strong and flexible choice for amphibious missions. At 455 feet long and 62 feet wide, the Renville displaced about 12,450 tons when fully loaded. Its welded steel hull was tough and quick to build, cutting down on time and costs. Inside, it had multiple decks with cargo holds, troop quarters, and medical facilities, all set up to quickly deploy and support military personnel during assaults.
The USS Renville boasted cutting-edge navigation and communication systems for its era. It had radar and sonar to help navigate and spot threats in different maritime settings. The communication gear included radio and signal equipment, ensuring smooth coordination with other naval units and command centers. A single Westinghouse geared turbine powered the ship, driving a single propeller to reach speeds up to 17 knots. This setup gave the Renville the speed and agility needed for complex amphibious operations.
For defense, the USS Renville was armed with a mix of weapons to counter air and surface threats. It had a 5-inch/38 caliber dual-purpose gun on the stern, capable of targeting both aircraft and surface threats. For anti-aircraft defense, it featured 40mm Bofors and 20mm Oerlikon cannons. These rapid-fire weapons were placed around the ship for a full 360-degree field of fire, offering solid protection against enemy aircraft. This armament mix provided a balance of offensive and defensive power, allowing the Renville to support amphibious missions while defending itself.
The ship's weaponry was matched by its ability to carry and deploy landing craft, crucial for moving troops and equipment from ship to shore. It carried several types of landing craft, like LCVPs (Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel) and LCMs (Landing Craft, Mechanized). These were launched using davits and well-deck operations, enabling quick and efficient deployment during assaults. This capability was key to its mission, allowing the Renville to deliver troops and gear directly to contested beaches and support ongoing operations on land.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Renville (APA-227) holds a rich tapestry of memories from its crew members, spanning from its service during World War II to the Vietnam War. These recollections, shared by the ship's crew, paint a vivid picture of life aboard the vessel and the significant events they witnessed.
Dennis Amb, who served as an Electrical Officer from 1962 to 1964, recalls the tense period of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. His tenure on the ship was marked by this critical deployment, a significant moment in Cold War history. Similarly, Jess Marcel, the ship's medical officer during the same period, also highlights the Cuban Missile Crisis and subsequent WestPac deployment as pivotal experiences in his naval career.
Don Anderson, a dental technician in 1964, and Dean Borders, who worked in the radar gang the same year, both reflect on their time aboard with a sense of camaraderie, though Borders wishes he had taken more photos to remember his colleagues. Roger Bradshaw, who served as a Quartermaster Second Class in 1964, fondly remembers his transition from the 3rd Division to Navigation and the long 67 days at sea with the Marines.
Dave Burbee, a Fire Control Technician in 1960, describes his service as a major life experience, leading to a long career with GTE (Verizon). Louie Buses, a Radar E4 in 1961, utilized the GI Bill to further his education, eventually becoming a mechanical engineer and later a pastoral counselor. His long marriage and family life are points of pride.
Todd Cole, a Fire Control Technician in 1966, seeks verification of his service in Vietnam, recalling the prowess of a shipmate, Slocum, in boxing matches. Bennie Collins and Frederick E. Denney, both Radiomen in the late 1950s, share memories of their WestPac cruises and participation in Operation Hardtack, a series of nuclear tests.
Reynaldo De Leon, a Quartermaster in 1965-1966, and William Petersen, who served in 1964, both mention their service under Lt. Dawson and their deployments to Vietnam, including Chu Lai and Da Nang. Their recollections are filled with names of fellow crew members, highlighting the strong bonds formed during their service.
Chester Gay, a postal clerk in 1955, recounts a dramatic incident where a fellow clerk accidentally discharged a firearm, injuring both of them. Ronald George, who served in 1956, lists various tours, including atomic tests in the Bikini Atolls and the ship's historic entry into Hong Kong post-Korean War.
Bill Grubbs and Terry Heatherly, both serving in 1960, reminisce about their WestPac cruises and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Heatherly humorously notes his extended stay on the ship, feeling almost forgotten until his discharge. Rodney Hughes, also in 1960, recalls the USS Renville as his first duty station before transferring to another ship.
Jay Kaffka, who served from 1951 to 1954, spent three years on the Captain's gig and was transferred just before the ship headed back to Japan. Daniel A. Novak, who served in 1963, is remembered posthumously by his wife, who seeks connections with his former shipmates.
Dick Platt, an officer in 1955, humorously recalls getting lost on his first day as navigator, a story that became part of the ship's lore. Ralph Scheeler, a Disbursing Clerk in 1962, fondly remembers the USS Renville despite the hardships, now retired from Northrup Grumman.
Bernard Schuyler, a Radioman in 1964, recounts the ship's encounter with a typhoon in Buckner Bay, Okinawa, and subsequent loading for Vietnam. Rodney Slocum, who served in 1965, details his WestPac tour and subsequent service with the Mobile Riverine Force.
Larry Taylor, a Boatswain's Mate in 1959, shares memories of playing in a band at Old Toby's Bar in Hong Kong, while Eldon C. Woods, who served in 1945, is remembered by his son, who seeks to understand his father's military history.
These collective memories from the crew of the USS Renville (APA-227) offer a poignant and detailed account of the ship's storied past, reflecting the diverse experiences and enduring bonds formed aboard this historic vessel.
USS Renville APA-227: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Renville (APA-227) was a remarkable ship with a rich history. Commissioned in 1944, she was initially outfitted with the standard gear of the time. But as the years rolled on, she got some serious upgrades. Her radar and communication systems were improved, which was a big deal for coordinating those tricky amphibious operations. And let's not forget the anti-aircraft guns—those were beefed up too, especially with the threats from enemy planes during World War II and the Korean War.
The Renville was a jack-of-all-trades. She was primarily an attack transport, designed to carry troops, vehicles, and equipment right onto enemy shores. This made her a key player in amphibious assaults, where speed and efficiency were everything. But she wasn't just about combat. The Renville also served as a command and control hub during operations, coordinating large-scale landings. And when needed, she stepped up for humanitarian missions, like evacuating civilians and providing disaster relief. Talk about versatility!
During World War II, the Renville was front and center in the Pacific Theater, taking part in the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. These were crucial operations that helped secure victory over Japan. After the war, she didn't just sit idle. In the Korean War, she was back in action, supporting United Nations forces by ferrying troops and supplies to the Korean Peninsula. Her ability to adapt to different environments and conditions made her a reliable asset for the Navy.
But the Renville wasn't just about combat. She played a role in diplomacy too. During the Indonesian National Revolution, she served as a neutral meeting ground for Dutch and Indonesian representatives. This mission highlighted her versatility and the Navy's broader role in promoting peace and stability. Throughout her service, the USS Renville was a testament to the adaptability and resilience of the U.S. Navy's amphibious fleet, leaving a legacy of excellence and strategic impact.
USS Renville APA-227: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Renville (APA-227) was a remarkable ship with a storied history in the United States Navy. Commissioned in December 1944, it quickly found itself in the thick of World War II. The Renville's first major mission was in the Pacific Theater, where it took part in the invasion of Okinawa in April 1945. As an attack transport, it was tasked with delivering troops, equipment, and supplies right to the front lines, often while under enemy fire. The crew's bravery and efficiency were crucial in ensuring that reinforcements reached their destinations, playing a key role in the Allied victory in the Pacific.
After World War II, the USS Renville continued to serve with distinction. During the Korean War, it was involved in several important amphibious operations, including the famous Inchon Landing in September 1950. This operation, led by General Douglas MacArthur, was a turning point in the war for the United Nations forces. The Renville's role in transporting troops and providing logistical support was vital to the success of the landing, highlighting the ship's adaptability and the crew's dedication to their mission.
Throughout its service, the USS Renville earned numerous awards and commendations, reflecting its outstanding performance and the valor of its crew. For its actions during World War II, the Renville received one battle star for its participation in the Okinawa campaign. During the Korean War, the ship was recognized with several awards, including the Korean Service Medal with two battle stars, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal. These honors underscore the ship's operational achievements and the dedication of the men who served aboard her.
Beyond combat, the USS Renville was involved in several peacetime missions that showcased its versatility and importance to the Navy's broader goals. The ship took part in training exercises, humanitarian missions, and diplomatic efforts, promoting international cooperation and readiness. A notable example was its involvement in Operation Passage to Freedom in 1954, where the Renville helped transport Vietnamese civilians, soldiers, and non-combatants from North to South Vietnam following the Geneva Accords. This humanitarian mission further cemented the ship's legacy as a vessel committed to both combat excellence and humanitarian principles.
USS Renville APA-227 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Haskell Class Attack Transport |
| Commissioned | November 15, 1944 |
| Displacement | 14,837 tons |
| Length | 455 feet |
| Beam | 62 feet |
| Draft | 24 feet |
| Speed | 17.7 knots |
| Complement | 56 Officers 480 Enlisted |