Uss Mount Hood Ae 11
USS Mount Hood (AE-11)
The USS Mount Hood (AE-11) was an ammunition ship in the United States Navy during World War II. She was the lead ship of her class and the first naval vessel named after Mount Hood, a volcanic peak in the Cascade Range located in the state of Oregon.
Construction and Service
The USS Mount Hood was commissioned in July 1944, marking her entry into service during the height of WWII. After her commissioning, she underwent a brief fitting out and shakedown period in the Chesapeake Bay area. By August 5, 1944, she was reported for duty with Commander Service Force, Atlantic Fleet, where she was tasked with transporting ammunition to the Pacific theater.
Upon being loaded at Norfolk, the USS Mount Hood was assigned to deliver her cargo to Manus Island in the Admiralty Islands, Papua New Guinea.
Explosion at Seeadler Harbor
The USS Mount Hood met a tragic fate on November 10, 1944, while she was anchored in Seeadler Harbor at Manus Island. A catastrophic explosion obliterated the ship, resulting in the deaths of all crew members aboard at the time, except for 18 men who were ashore on leave. The explosion left no trace of the ship and caused significant damage to nearby vessels, including the USS Mindanao (ARG-3).
The detonation was so powerful that it resulted in a massive shockwave, with debris scattering across the harbor. The impact of this explosion was felt throughout the naval base, causing further casualties and injuries. Due to the complete destruction, the ship was struck from the Naval Register on December 11, 1944.
Legacy
The tragedy of the USS Mount Hood is a solemn reminder of the dangers faced by ammunition ships during wartime. The incident highlights the risks associated with transporting volatile materials in conflict zones. The ship’s destruction and the subsequent loss of life had a profound impact on naval protocol regarding the handling and transport of munitions, leading to enhanced safety measures in later years.