Latimer (APA 152) - Naval Cruise Book

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X SHIP'S HISTORY - In history, authenticity tends to sacrifice completeness. Thus some achievements receive dueprecognition in chronicles, while other efforts go completely ignored. Such disregard for the majority of people seems cruelly unfair, for everyone at least believes he ser- ves a distinct purpose on earth. Analogically, as much can be said about the LATIMER. With other vessels in the Navy's fleets, the LATIMER plays its role in protecting the shipping and shores of the United States as well as representing the nation abroad. Like many stories, the LATIMER's started meagerly. It began in Portland, Oregon where her keel was laid on 19 May 1944. In- dependence Day of that same year saw her commissioned and named after Latimer County, Oklahoma. During World War II, LATIMER participated in campaigns at New Caledonia, New Guinea, Lingayan Gulf,'and Leyte. When war ended, she transported thousands of troops from the Pacific to the West Coast. In 1946, her assignment to the 16th Fleet at Norfolk culminated invher decommissioning. Hostilities in Korea caused the LATIMER to be recommissioned on 23 September 1950. Almost a year later to the day of her .,,. . activation, the LATIMER served withthe 'SIXTH Fleet, operating in the Mediterranean Sea for the first time. U Early 1953 saw the LATIMER operating in the Caribbean Sea where liberty visits included ports in I-Iaiti, Jamaica, and Cuba. In 1954, the LATIMER underwent refresher training near Haiti. A training period preceded her participation in four operations during May and June. Finally, tender availability prelfaced her departure on 7. September 1954 for the Mediterranean Sea. During her second visit to The Med , the LATIMER inevitably Mmadei' history. Whether or not her contribution assumed large or small proportions remains to be determined. Nevertheless, she successfully fulfilled the mission for which she was sent - namely, to help preserve the ideals to which we are dedicated. Conse- quently, the LATIMER proved that she equals, if not surpasses, the better assault transports in the Atlantic Fleet. Even the Commander Amphibious Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet recognized that fact in ,lune 19541 when he awarded the Battle Efficiency Plaque to the LATIMER. At that time, Admiral Fahrion wrote: This achievement reflects a devotion to duty and an attainment of standards which are most creditable to... the naval service. 'lv ea' .