USS Monrovia

USS Monrovia: A Vital Transport in the Pacific and Mediterranean Theaters

The USS Monrovia (APA-31), a Crescent City-class attack transport ship, delivered essential services during World War II by earning seven battle stars through its participation in significant Mediterranean and Pacific theater amphibious operations. After its commissioning in 1942 the ship moved thousands of soldiers to combat zones between Sicily and Okinawa while functioning as a flagship and command post for notable leaders such as General George S. Patton and Vice Admiral H. Kent Hewitt. The ship served Allied invasion forces as a pivotal platform because of its operational versatility combined with its strong design that sustained intense combat conditions. The article investigates the USS Monrovia's structural design while highlighting its distinct characteristics and its pivotal role in World War II engagements along with its enduring legacy.

Design of the USS Monrovia

The shipbuilding project of SS Del Argentino began at Bethlehem Sparrows Point Shipyard in Maryland where it took form as a C3-Delta commercial freighter under Maritime Commission contract MC hull 152 on March 26, 1942. Mrs. John M. Carmody sponsored the launch of the ship on September 19, 1942, which the U.S. Navy then acquired and commissioned as USS Monrovia (AP-64) on December 1, 1942, with Captain Charles D. Leffler as its commanding officer. The ship was reclassified as an attack transport APA-31 on February 1, 1943 to enable transportation of troops and equipment essential for amphibious assaults during the Allies’ island-hopping and invasion strategies.

The ship Monrovia stretched 491 feet long with a beam of 65 feet 6 inches and a draft of 24 feet while weighing 8,889 tons when fully light and reaching 14,247 tons at full capacity. The ship operated with a single General Electric steam turbine powered by two Foster-Wheeler boilers to produce 9,000 shaft horsepower which allowed it to reach a trial speed of 16.5 knots. Although Monrovia operated at speeds lower than warships such as destroyers it achieved sufficient speed for escort missions and possessed enough range to complete ocean crossings. The vessel featured significant cargo capabilities with 130,000 cubic feet of storage space while it could transport 2,700 tons of equipment using 12,925 barrels of Navy Standard Fuel Oil and 450 barrels of diesel fuel.

The Monrovia’s weaponry was designed primarily to protect itself while also assisting in landing operations. The ship had two 5-inch/38-caliber guns positioned both forward and aft which could operate against both surface ships and aircraft. The ship's defense against Japanese and German aircraft comprised two twin 40 mm Bofors guns along with two single 40 mm Bofors guns and eighteen 20 mm Oerlikon cannons. The vessel transported 26 landing craft types including LCVPs and LCMs and deployed them through eight Welin davits and two cranes. The landing craft served as critical vessels to transport troops and equipment to shore during invasion operations. The vessel employed 55 officers together with 500 enlisted crew members to support 1,500 troops who stayed in tight yet operational sleeping quarters.

Designing from the C3-Delta freighter blueprint the ship emphasized strong durability along with flexible adaptability. The ship received reinforced hull protection intended for wartime operations while compartmentalization improved its defense against torpedo or bomb attacks. A rapid conversion of Monrovia into a flagship occurred in 1943 at Mers el Kebir, Algeria and USS Delta (AR-9) completed the installation of command and communication systems in a two-week timeframe. The installation of radio rooms and plotting boards along with flag officer accommodations on Monrovia enabled it to manage intricate amphibious missions.

Unique Features and Operational Strengths

The Monrovia achieved its importance through its designation as an attack transport connecting naval operations with ground forces during amphibious military engagements. Attack transports functioned to carry soldiers prepared for combat alongside their gear straight to enemy beaches which demanded exact coordination and the ability to withstand enemy attacks. The Monrovia's capacity to transport both LCVPs and LCMs enabled it to launch infantry units along with vehicles and artillery units quickly which proved essential during major operations such as the invasions of Sicily and Saipan. Welin davits and cranes on the ship made landing craft deployment faster, which reduced assault phase vulnerability to enemy fire.

The conversion to a flagship in 1943 transformed Monrovia into a pivotal command hub for major military operations. The Monrovia served as a strategic command center during the Sicily invasion because it carried General Patton and Vice Admiral Hewitt together with future President Eisenhower. Real-time coordination between naval, air, and ground forces became possible through the upgraded communication systems which were essential for multi-service operations. Monrovia stood out from other transports because it went beyond troop delivery to serve as an operational command center.

Monrovia had strong anti-aircraft weaponry which proved advantageous in the Pacific theater because Japanese forces frequently launched kamikaze and air attacks. The layered defense system from 5-inch guns, 40 mm Bofors, and 20 mm Oerlikons ensured protection for both the ship and the surrounding convoy vessels. In 1943 Chesapeake Bay training developed the crew's skills in amphibious exercises and gunnery to achieve proficiency. Wesley L. Gonzales’s personal accounts reveal how the ship’s crew maintained strict discipline while building strong camaraderie through proud displays before signal lights and participation in morale-boosting “crossing the line” ceremonies.

Monrovia utilized its C3-Delta hull design from commercial freight to ensure both exceptional cargo capacity and stability for transporting heavy military equipment like tanks and artillery with troops. The vessel proved its versatility by operating successfully in different environments ranging from the tight spaces of the Mediterranean to the broad stretches of the Pacific Ocean. Monrovia demonstrated remarkable durability by surviving numerous combat operations with minimal damage due to its superior design and effective maintenance by its crew.

Key Roles in World War II Battles

The USS Monrovia earned battle stars during its participation in seven major campaigns including amphibious operations at Sicily, Tarawa, Kwajalein, Saipan, Guam, Leyte, and Okinawa. The USS Monrovia initially operated in the Mediterranean before relocating to the Pacific theater where it supported American forces executing the island-hopping campaign against Japanese positions. Here we present its crucial functions throughout these military engagements.

The USS Monrovia began its combat service in May 1943 when it sailed from Norfolk, Virginia to the Mediterranean with Army passengers onboard. The vessel's flagship conversion at Mers el Kebir led to the transportation of Army nurses to Algiers where Vice Admiral Hewitt along with his staff boarded on June 20 and later General Patton joined them on June 30. Monrovia operated as the command center for General Patton during Operation Husky between July 9 and August 17, 1943. Seventh Army. The ship dropped the 1st Infantry Division troops off Gela while facing challenging sea conditions and German aerial strikes. The Luftwaffe conducted attacks against Monrovia which were successfully resisted by its anti-aircraft defenses and supporting warships allowing the beachhead to be established. The ship coordinated operations in the assault area until the end of the Sicilian campaign before returning casualties and prisoners to North Africa. The operation demonstrated Monrovia's two-fold function as both a transportation hub and a command center.

During November 1943 Monrovia served in the Pacific Theater operations by participating in the Gilbert Islands campaign known as Operation Galvanic. The ship served as part of Transport Squadron 12 under Commander H.B. Knowles during the Tarawa invasion from November 20–23, 1943. Under Commander H.B. Knowles, Monrovia transported Marines from the 2nd Marine Division. Monrovia anchored near Betio before launching LCVPs that maneuvered through dangerous coral reefs to deliver troops during intense machine-gun and mortar attacks from Japanese forces. Marine gunners aboard the ship countered Japanese aircraft while landing crafts enabled the successful but deadly capture of Tarawa following 76 hours of fierce combat. The Monrovia proved vital to Marine operations by evacuating casualties to Hawaii.

During Operation Flintlock in January and February 1944 the Marshall Islands campaign included Monrovia's support for the Kwajalein Atoll invasion. Captain G.W. Johnson commanded Monrovia when it served as the flagship of Transport Division 36. Under Captain G.W. Johnson's command as flagship of Transport Division 36 Monrovia carried troops from both the 4th Marine Division and 7th Infantry Division. On January 31, 1944, Monrovia sent landing craft toward Roi-Namur and Kwajalein islands after reaching Kwajalein because pre-invasion battleship bombardments from vessels such as USS New Mexico had weakened enemy defenses compared to those at Tarawa. The ship stayed in the assault zone to supply logistical support and evacuate wounded soldiers which helped secure the atoll by February 7.

During the Mariana Islands campaign of June 1944 Monrovia took part in the Saipan assault which lasted from June 15 to July 9. The 2nd Marine Division personnel ship encountered reefs and combat from mortar fire along with Japanese air resistance. From her position off Saipan's western coastline Monrovia deployed LCVPs to place Marines ashore who met strong resistance from Japanese forces entrenched in defensive positions. Following the Battle of the Philippine Sea on June 19–20 which destroyed Japanese naval aviation Monrovia delivered both casualties and prisoners to Hawaii while completing its mission under the continuous risk of air attacks.

Following the invasion of Guam from July 21 to August 10, 1944, Monrovia transported units from the 77th Infantry Division out of Hawaii. The ship entered the assault zone on July 22 and conducted operations there for seven days to send landing craft towards Agat Beach with troops on board. The ship maintained precise coordination in spite of Japanese coastal defenses to achieve a successful landing and subsequently evacuated wounded personnel to Pearl Harbor for a temporary refit. The operation established Guam as an important base for B-29 bomber operations.

The Monrovia participated in the Philippines campaign during October 1944 by supporting Leyte's invasion between October 20 and 23. Following the embarkation of 96th Infantry Division troops, the ship departed from Manus and reached Leyte by dawn on October 20. Monrovia completed the unloading of its troops and equipment by 1800 on October 21 while being part of Transport Squadron 12 before clearing Leyte Gulf ahead of the decisive Battle of Leyte Gulf (October 23–26) that defeated Japanese naval forces. The quick unloading operation of the ship was essential for creating the Allied base in the Philippines.

Monrovia's last significant mission included the invasion of Okinawa which took place from April 1 to June 22, 1945 and marked one of the bloodiest battles across the Pacific theater. The ship which carried 6th Marine Division troops reached Okinawa's coast on April 1 and deployed landing crafts to aid the first attack at Hagushi beaches. Monrovia’s anti-aircraft gunners and nearby destroyers played a vital defensive role against Japanese kamikaze attacks and strong enemy resistance. By operating within the attack zone to supply reinforcements and evacuate the wounded Monrovia played a key role in securing Okinawa which became a strategic base for the intended Japanese invasion.

Broader Impact and Legacy

Beyond its combat missions the USS Monrovia played a vital role in developing successful Allied amphibious strategies. The ship’s capability to carry thousands of troops and land them at strategic locations like Tarawa and Leyte proved essential for the Allies’ plans to regain territory from Axis control. The flagship Monrovia played a crucial role in high-level command operations during Sicily where Patton's leadership from the vessel contributed to a major Mediterranean triumph. Eisenhower's presence during the campaign reinforced Monrovia's function as a strategic planning center which impacted the larger war operations.

The ship’s human element was equally significant. Embarked troops who underwent the terrifying transition from ship to shore in LCVPs shared their experiences with the crew who maintained endurance in confined spaces while facing continuous danger. The oral histories from sailors like Lawson T. Winslow Jr. who participated in the V-12 program demonstrate Monrovia's reputation for combat resilience while Wesley L. Gonzales documented his time aboard through photographs and ceremonies. The ship demonstrated during wartime how close-knit relationships and determination existed within its confined space.

The design of Monrovia served as an important reference for developing future attack transports through its influential C3-Delta hull design. Following Japan's surrender in August 1945 the ship adapted to occupation duties by delivering troops and supplies to China and Japan while taking veterans back to the United States. After serving until spring 1946 the ship was sent to the Atlantic Reserve Fleet at Norfolk and decommissioned on February 26, 1947.

Monrovia returned to service during the Korean War and was recommissioned on November 30, 1950, after which it joined Atlantic Fleet Amphibious Forces for Greenland operations and annual Mediterranean deployments until 1967. During the Cold War the ship responded to crises in Beirut (1958), Cuba (1962), and Panama (1964), which highlighted its long-lasting usefulness. The ship Monrovia was decommissioned on October 31, 1968 and sold for scrap in 1969 before its history was briefly remembered in 2022 when a landing craft labeled “31-17” was found in Lake Shasta, California and connected to its Sicilian campaign. The mystery surrounding its sinking adds an intriguing chapter to its historical narrative.

The seven battle stars earned by Monrovia demonstrate the ship's far-reaching combat history across both the Mediterranean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Photographs at the National WWII Museum serve as artifacts that preserve the ship's history while its service influenced the design of future naval transports. The vessel served as a transport for future leaders such as Eisenhower while supporting commanders like Patton which establishes its historical significance and confirms its essential role in the Allied victory.

final thoughts

The USS Monrovia (APA-31) played a central role in World War II amphibious operations demonstrating how the U.S. Navy could extend its influence over multiple continents. The USS Monrovia (APA-31) inherited the Crescent City-class design from a commercial freighter to ensure sufficient capacity and durability for operations ranging from Sicily to Okinawa. Its role as both a command center and defensive asset stemmed from its distinctive flagship conversion along with its powerful anti-aircraft weaponry. The ship demonstrated its flexibility by performing important functions in battles at Tarawa and Saipan, Leyte among others while the determination of its crew members and transported troops drove the progress of Allied forces. Despite being scrapped in 1969 Monrovia's historical significance continues through its battle stars and historical documentation as well as the landing craft found in Lake Shasta which proves its critical role in the Allied war effort.