Bayfield-class attack transport

USS Bayfield (APA-33) on 4 January 1950
Class overview
NameBayfield
Builders
Operators United States Navy
Preceded byOrmsby class
Succeeded bySumter class
In commission1943–1945 – 1946–1970
Completed34
ActiveNone
General characteristics
TypeAttack transport
Displacement8,100 tons, 16,100 fully loaded
Length492 ft 6 in (150.11 m)
Beam69 ft 6 in (21.18 m)
Draft26 ft 6 in (8.08 m)
PropulsionGeared turbine drive,[1] 2 × D-type boilers,[2] single propeller, designed shaft horsepower 8,500
Speed18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph)
Boats & landing
craft carried
Capacity
  • 4,500–4,800 tons
  • (175,000–200,000 cubic feet).
Complement
  • Crew: 51 officers 524 enlisted
  • Flag: 43 officers, 108 enlisted
  • Troops: 80 officers, 1,146 enlisted
Armament

The Bayfield-class attack transport was a class of US Navy attack transports that were built during World War II.

With the entry of the United States into the war, it was quickly realized that amphibious combat operations on hostile shores would be required, and that specialized ships would be needed for the purpose. The so-called "attack transport" ship type (hull classification symbol APA) was developed to meet this need. Attack transports were converted from standard transport vessels by being upgraded with extra firepower, and outfitted with a number of smaller integral landing craft (such as LCVPs and LCMs) with which amphibious assaults could be conducted.

The first attack transports began to enter service in 1942 and were built ad hoc from a host of different types. The first class to be built in substantial numbers was the Bayfield class, which began to enter service in 1943. The early vessels were converted from existing cargo or transport ships, later ones built as attack transports from the keel up.