USS Okala (ARST-2) was a Laysan Island-class salvage craft tender of the United States Navy.

History
United States
NameUSS Okala
NamesakeOkala, an island off the coast of Molokai
BuilderJeffersonville Boat and Machine Company, Jeffersonville, Indiana
Laid down1 December 1944
Launched8 February 1945
Commissioned28 June 1945
Decommissioned5 August 1946
RenamedOkala, 23 December 1944
ReclassifiedARST-2, 8 December 1944
Stricken15 October 1946
FateSold 25 July 1947
General characteristics
TypeLaysan Island-class salvage craft tender
Displacement4,100 long tons (4,166 t) full
Length328 ft (100 m)
Beam50 ft (15 m)
Draft11 ft 2 in (3.40 m)
Propulsiontwo General Motors 12-567A Diesel engines

single Falk Main Reduction Gears four Diesel-drive 100 kW 120 / 240 V DC twin rudders

twin propellers, 1,800 shp
Speed11.6 knots (21.5 km/h; 13.3 mph)
Complement269
Armament

Service history

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She was laid down on 1 December 1944 as LST-1099 by the Jeffersonville Boat and Machine Company in Jeffersonville, Indiana. She was named Okala on 23 December 1944 and commissioned on 28 June 1945 with Lieutenant Louis Silver commanding.[1]

After a monthlong shakedown in the Gulf of Mexico, Okala transited the Panama Canal and steamed to Buckner Bay in Okinawa on 27 September. She was based there until transfer to Yokosuka in late November. She sailed to Seattle on 25 March 1946 and was decommissioned there on 5 August 1946, struck on 15 October 1946 and sold 25 July 1947.

References

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  This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.

  1. ^ "Navsource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive – USS Okala (ARST-2)".