USS Olmstead
The USS Olmstead, a Haskell Class Attack Transport Ship, was produced at the Kaiser Shipbuilding Company in Vancouver, Washington. The initial launch for the ship was on July 4, 1944, and it was officially commissioned by the US Navy on September 5, 1944 under the command of Captain C. L. C. Atkeson.
By October of 1944, The Olmstead had become a member of the United States Pacific Fleet. She transported both troops and equipment in World War II in such key areas as New Guinea, Okinawa and Japan. She was bombed twice during this time - once at Luzon and another time at Okinawa, but was lucky enough to not sustain any damage from the attacks. Over the next few years the ship was used to move troops into war areas, and back home to the United States. She participated in the transportation of the Army’s 81st (Wildcat) Division, the group that was the first to invade Japan.
After the war, The Olmstead was a part of Operation Magic Carpet and helped to bring our troops back home. In February of 1947, the Olmsted sailed to Norfolk, Virginia where it was officially decommissioned. This period of inactivity would last until February 2, 1952, when she was recommissioned and put under the command of Captain R. C. Leonard to provide support during the Korean War.
The Olmstead was used as a training ship to teach soldiers the art of amphibious warfare. She was part of the Amphibious Force, Atlantic Feet, and served as a training facility until February of 1959. That February she was brought back to Norfolk, and in 1960 she was again officially decommissioned.
Many men sailed and trained aboard The USS Olmstead. She served a valiant purpose in World War II and the Korean War, but unfortunately she also proved dangerous to those who worked and trained within. The danger was in the form of asbestos - a toxic material that was commonly found on ships in products such as insulation and construction compounds. Products made from asbestos can break apart, and release tiny fibers into the air. These fibers are easily inhaled and can lead to diseases such as mesothelioma cancer, which is a malignant cancer. Anyone who was on board a ship that had asbestos present should be examined by their physician for this and similar diseases as quickly as possible.
Last modified: December 28, 2010.
