USS Cook Inlet (AVP-36)

USS "Cook Inlet" (AVP-36) was a "Barnegat"-class small seaplane tender commissioned by the U.S. Navy for use in World War II. "Cook Inlet" tended to seaplanes, and served in the volatile Pacific War in combat areas that provided her one battle star by war’s end. She later served during the Vietnam War and was awarded two more battle stars.

"Cook Inlet" (AVP-36) was launched 13 May 1944 by Lake Washington Shipyards, Houghton, Washington; sponsored by Mrs. H. K. Stubbs, wife of Captain Stubbs; commissioned 5 November 1944, Commander W. P. Woods in command; and reported to the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

World War II Pacific Theatre operations

"Cook Inlet" sailed from San Diego, California, 15 January 1945 for Pearl Harbor, arriving 21 January. She tended seaplanes at Hilo, Hawaii, from 25 January to 31 January, arrived off Saipan 26 February to serve with the escort and patrol group based there, and from 2 March to 14 March was on an air-sea rescue station during the invasion of Iwo Jima. "Cook Inlet" was successful in rescuing a total of 27 survivors of downed bombers and remained on duty off Iwo Jima until 29 November, when she sailed to Jinsen for duty as station tender. After calling at Iwo Jima and Pearl Harbor, she reached San Francisco, California, 22 January 1946. She was placed out of commission in reserve 31 March 1946, and transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard 20 September 1948.

Service with the Coast Guard

"Cook Inlet" was commissioned USCGC Cook Inlet (WAVP-384), 15 January 1949 and redesignated High Endurance Cutter (WHEC-384), 1 May 1966.

Vietnam War operations

During the Vietnam War "Cook Inlet" (WHEC-384) was assigned to Coast Guard Squadron Three, Vietnam, from 2 July to 21 December 1971 and participated in the following campaigns:

* Consolidation I (16 July to 9 August 1971; 27 August to 15 September 1971; 1 October to 24 October 1971; 22 November to 30 November 1971)
* Consolidation II (1 December to 15 December 1971)

Decommissioning

"Cook Inlet" was decommissioned, 27 December 1971, and transferred to South Vietnam, renamed "Tran Qua"ng Khai (HQ-2). Custody of the ship was assumed by the Philippines in April 1976, but never commissioned in the Philippine Navy. She was used for spare parts.

Military honors and awards

"Cook Inlet" received one battle star for World War II service.

References

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