USS Pipestone (AK-203)

USS "Pipestone" (AK-203) was an "Alamosa"-class cargo ship that was constructed for the U.S. Navy during the closing period of World War II. By the time she was scheduled for commissioning, the war’s end caused her to be declared “excess to needs” and she was returned to the U.S. Government and struck by the Navy.

Built in Superior, Wisconsin

"Pipestone" (AK–203) was laid down under U.S. Maritime Commission contract by Globe Shipbuilding Co., Superior, Wisconsin. She was transferred to the Navy in April 1945.

Naval service

"Pipestone" was scheduled for commissioning. However, because of the Allied victory in the Pacific Ocean theatre of operations, her commissioning was delayed.

Inactivation

"Pipestone" was ordered returned to the U.S. Maritime Commission for disposal. She was subsequently renamed "Coastal Explorer". Her subsequent fate is not known.

Note

There is no journal entry for "Pipestone" at DANFS.

ee also

* United States Navy
* World War II

References

* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/13/130203.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - AK-203 Pipestone]