Lanier (APA 125) - Naval Cruise Book

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edzbaiabu To all Nclvy men who died that the Notion might live 'i1?

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It ' ea am jfkmmzba if U.S.S.LANIER ' U. S. Navy Attack Transport APA 125 1fr , 1 , Q .gg I, . A 3 . . . 1 ' Y A, I 22 Qecwnlaz, 4.944 - 4 QW , 1.945

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NE of Uncle Sam's most potent weapons throughout the war proved to be the assault transport, of which the USS LANIER is a late model. Carrying troops with which to fight the enemy on unfamiliar, heavily defended beaches, the USS LANIER was destined from the outset to earn its share of glory and fame alongside its more highly publicized and more powerful heavy units of the U. S. Fleet. The LANIER also boasts a record of not a single serious accident, iniury or death to any of' its personnel during ll months at sea-a period which covered two months of rigorous training of a green crew as well as participation in occupation of lwo Jima, Okinawa and landings in Japan. With a capacity of 14,000 tons, the USS LANIER'S main iob of hauling assault troops is overshadowed in importance but slightly by the task of carrying heavy equipment such as ieeps, half-tracks, trucks, cranes, tanks, cannon, ammunition and other supplies, including medical neces- sities, food and amphibious gear. At the conclusion of its strategic importance in a war role, the USS LANIER was placed at the disposal of the Magic Carpet, a group of ships aptly named because of its mission of trans- porting thousands of war-weary, homesick G.'l.'s and sailors back to their native land, their states, and their families. The LANIER, in this duty, not only did her iob-but more. Extra bunks were installed wherever possible-in the holds, sick bay, troop officers' compartment-cots were placed on deck and all available space used in 'l'Officers' Country. These moves enabled 500 extra men, as well as 40 above-quota officers, to catch a glimpse of the Pacific Slope iust a little bit sooner. ln war or in peace, the USS LANIER, APA 125, did her part.