Photograph of USNS Hugh J Gaffey, circa April 1952, signed by captain and officers ~ Korean War ~ US Navy Troopship ~ Port of Seattle

Item: [photograph] USNS Hugh J Gaffey, circa April 1952, signed by captain and officers

Description: Korean War-period photograph of the troopship USNS Hugh J Gaffey (T-AP-121), circa April 1952, signed by the captain, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd officers, and four junior officers. The photograph measures 11 x 14 inches. One corner is lightly bumped, else fine. The photographer was Harry R. Boersig of Tacoma.

The photograph is signed by its captain, Thomas A. Healy; 1st officer Miles W. Hoff; 2nd officer Thomas A. Clark; 3rd officer Myron Kenneth Cross; jr deck officer Burton E. Buffington; Charles A. Walker (chief radio officer); 3rd officer Woodrow W. Reynolds; and jr deck officer Raymond F. Combs. The ship, originally christened the USS Admiral W. L. Capps (AP-121) in 1944, was renamed the USNS Hugh N Gaffey on March 1, 1950, and assigned to the Navy's Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS). It operated under a civilian merchant marine crew. The ship's crew list changed from month to month, but the April 26, 1952 list (Yokohama to Seattle) included the names of all the officers who signed the photo. During the Korean War, the ship was not only transporting soldiers, but was also engaged in bringing many Japanese war brides to the United States.

The captain, Thomas Edward Healy (1897-1975) of Seattle, was the nephew of Capt. Richard J. Healy, a veteran Seattle master mariner and Puget Sound pilot. Thomas served in World War I, joined the Alaska Steamship Company as a deckhand after the war and eventually promoted to captain. He was called back to action in World War II and commanded the USS Leo (AKA-60), a cargo attack auxiliary ship, participating in both the landing of troops and equipment and the evacuation of wounded during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Following the war he commanded the USAT Winged Arrow, the USAT James O'Hara, and the USNS Hugh J Gaffey. He retired in 1958 and moved to Gig Harbor, Washington.

Condition: Near fine

Place: [Harry R. Boersig, Aero-Marine Photos]
Location: [Tacoma]
Year: 1952

Keywords: Korean War, Military Sea Transportation Service, MSTS, Seattle, Navy,