USS Chilton (APA-38)

• Namesake: USS Chilton (APA-38) was named after Chilton County, Alabama, following the US Navy’s tradition of naming attack transports after counties. • Class and Role: She was a BAYFIELD-class attack transport, designed to carry troops, landing craft, and equipment in amphibious assaults during World War II. • World War II Service: Commissioned on 7 October 1943, USS Chilton participated in several critical Pacific campaigns, including the invasions of Saipan, Leyte, and Okinawa. • Saipan Invasion: During the invasion of Saipan (June 1944), the Chilton landed Marines under heavy Japanese fire and evacuated casualties, demonstrating the ship's dual combat and medical support roles. • Kamikaze Threat: While off Okinawa in April 1945, USS Chilton faced the intense threat of kamikaze attacks, but she successfully completed her mission without suffering serious damage. • Postwar Occupation Duties: After Japan's surrender, Chilton transported occupation troops to Japan and helped repatriate Allied prisoners of war. • Operation "Magic Carpet": Chilton participated in this massive postwar operation, bringing returning American service members home from the Pacific. • Cold War Service: The ship returned to active service during the Korean War and the early Cold War, participating in amphibious exercises and Mediterranean deployments with the US 6th Fleet. • Cuban Missile Crisis: In 1962, USS Chilton was mobilized as part of the US naval blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis, demonstrating her continued strategic value. • Decommissioning and Fate: After over two decades of service, USS Chilton was decommissioned in 1968 and sold for scrap in 1972, having earned five battle stars for her World War II service.