USS Latimer
USS Latimer was a Haskell-class attack transport ship acquired by the US Navy in 1944. Her purpose was to carry troops to and from the combat areas.
On her first mission she carried 1301 troops from San Francisco to the Western Pacific. She discharged men and supplies in New Guinea, Leyte, and Luzon and embarked additional forces to prepare for the invasion of Okinawa. She carried troops of the 96th Infantry Division from San Pedro to Okinawa, and arrived at dawn on April 1. She successfully offloaded the men in several different waves while repelling a Japanese aerial attack. She then returned to the US and picked up 1422 men to be carried to the Far East. Her service continued in this way until the Japanese surrender.
When hostilities ended, she made three “Magic Carpet” voyages to bring veterans home from the western Pacific, including Saipan and the Philippines, to Seattle and San Francisco. After operating out of Norfolk for a time she was decommissioned in 1947.
After the Korean Conflict began the Latimer was recommissioned in 1950. She operated out of Virginia and North Carolina carrying US Marines to the Caribbean where they were practicing amphibious landings. In August, 1951, she embarked with the 2nd Division Marines for the Mediterranean. After her arrival, she deployed with the US 6th Fleet in the area. While undergoing amphibious exercises, she touched the coasts of several islands and many European countries including Greece, Italy and France.
For the next several years, Latimer was used for training purposes along the US Eastern Seaboard. In 1956 she was sent to Orange, Texas. There she was decommissioned and entered the Atlantic Reserve Fleet.
The Latimer provided a valuable service to her country while ferrying men and supplies to different parts of the globe. The sailors who worked on board performed admirably as well. However, they were unwittingly exposed to the hazards of asbestos during their time on the Latimer. She was constructed during a period when the dangers associated with asbestos were not understood, and the material was widely used as an insulator throughout the vessel. We now know that such workers are at risk of developing serious lung and respiratory conditions, including a type of cancer called mesothelioma. Sailors who are concerned that they may have been exposed to asbestos while aboard the Latimer or other vessel should consult with a thoracic specialist for evaluation.
Last modified: December 28, 2010.
