Ship History & Specifications
War Service Dates: August 1941 - April 1946
War Service Type: Stratford class troop transport
Navy Transport (AP-41)

MC# or Hull #:
Former Name: Catherine
Former Operator:
Built: 1918 - Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co., Manitowoc, WI
Engine Type:
Length: 261 feet
Beam: 43 feet 6 inches
Tonnage: 3,640 GRT
Speed: 9.6 knots
Armament: One 3" gun, three 40mm guns
Crew: 132 crewmen
Troop Capacity: 306 troops
Disposition: Decommissioned April 1946

More Information

Quick Info About This Ship
Ship Type: Stratford class troop transport
Navy Transport (AP-41)

War Service Dates: August 1941 - April 1946
Built: 1918 - Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co., Manitowoc, WI
Troop Capacity: 306 troops
Disposition: Decommissioned April 1946
Notes:
General

Stratford (AP-41) was built in 1918 and acquired by the Navy on 31 July 1941 and commissioned on 25 August 1941 at Baltimore, MD.

1941 - 1945

After completing her shakedown cruises in the Chesapeake Bay area, Stratford sailed from Norfolk, VA. on 23 October for Iceland via New York and Nova Scotia. She arrived at Reykjavik on 16 November 1941 and operated there until 25 March 1942 when she returned to Boston. The transport made another cruise to Iceland and returned to Boston on 27 June. She was then ordered to proceed to California via Norfolk, Key West, Guantanamo Bay, and the Canal Zone. Stratford arrived at San Pedro on 28 August, loaded passengers, and sailed for Hawaii three days later. She arrived there on the 11th and sailed the following week for Samoa. The transport remained in the South Pacific until April 1945. She shuttled troops and cargo from rear areas to advance bases and as the Americans penetrated further into the Pacific her ports of call increased. In addition to ports in New Zealand and New Caledonia, Stratford also operated in the Solomons, Treasury, St. Matthias, New Hebrides, Russell, and Treasury Islands as well as ports in New Guinea. Stratford arrived at Leyte on 2 April 1945 and operated in the Philippine Islands until 1 December when she sailed for the United States via Eniwetok and Pearl Harbor.

1946

The transport arrived at San Pedro in January 1946 and remained there until sailing for the east coast on 7 March. Stratford reached Norfolk, VA, on 7 March and reported to the 5th Naval District for disposition. She departed there on 3 April and headed for Baltimore where she had originally entered naval service. Stratford was decommissioned there on 17 April and returned to the War Shipping Administration on the same day. She was struck from the Navy list on 1 May 1946.

These specifications and ship histories are adapted from the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (US Naval Historical Center) and from various other sources. These summaries may not reflect the most recent information concerning the ships' status or operations. If you find an error or discrepancy, please email me at troopships@pier90.org or fill out our online crossing submission form.