LSM Division (21) - Naval Cruise Book

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LT DELBERT D. GRANTHAM Commanding Officer History Of LSM 297 THE USS LSM 297 is the flagship of LSM Division Twenty-one, U. S. Atlantic Fleet, and was commissioned on December 18, 1944. Following her commission and through 1945, the 297 was stationed at her home port, U. S. Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, Virginia. While there, the ship was used to train future LSM crews prior to their reporting to other LSM ' s in every war theater. ' In 1946, the ship was chosen to participate in the first of the now famous annual CAMID operations held every summer for and by the cadets and midship- men of the service academies. Shortly afterward, in October, the ship made a trip to Chester, Pennsylvania, for recreational purposes. During February and March of 1947, the 297 was engaged with various other units of the Atlantic Fleet in maneuvers in the Caribbean off Puerto Rico. After a summer in Little Creek, the ship participated in cold weather operations during October and November in the Argentia, Newfoundland oparea. Upon completion of these operations, the ship ' s complement was reduced to 16 the 297 was placed in a semi-active status. Upon return to active status in January 1948, the ship was assigned Ice-breaking duty in the James River for a little over one week. During July, August, and September, the ship was assigned to afloat training of personnel participating in Camid III. During the latter part of 1948, the ship enjoyed visits to Washington, D. C, and one month later, to New York City. During the first quarter of 1949, the 297 took part in her second Caribbean operation. In July, August, and September, she engaged in Camid IV. In the early part of 1950, the 297 once again steamed south, this time on operation PORTREX , with a large part of the Atlantic Fleet. The Fourth of July was spent at Colonial Beach, Virginia. In June of 1951, with two other ships of the Di- vision, the 297 left for Operation Blue Jay at Thule, Greenland. While there, the ship was used to ferry workers from barracks transports to the beach. Upon completion of the work, all hands were given a letter of commendation from Rear Admiral T. B. Brittain, Commander Task Force 118. Two weeks after her return to her home port, the ship left for maneuvers on Lantflex 51 , again in Car- ibbean waters. During 1952, the ship spent most of her time at the Bloodsworth Island shore bombardment range. A short trip was made in the latter part of October to Nassau, Bahamas, B. W. I. The commanding officer of the LSM 297 is LT. Del- bert D. Grantham, USN