USS Hollandia (CVE-97)

USS "Hollandia" (CVE-97), formerly AVG-97 and ACV-97, was an "Casablanca" class escort carrier of the United States Navy. She was launched under Maritime Commission contract as "Astrolabe Bay" (CVE-97) by Kaiser Co., Inc., Vancouver, Washington, 28 April 1944; sponsored by Mrs. William H. Wheat; renamed "Hollandia" 30 May 1944; and commissioned 1 June 1944, Captain Charles L. Lee in command.

Following training off the West Coast, "Hollandia" sailed 10 July 1944 from San Diego for a shakedown cruise to Espiritu Santo. She also transported replacement aircraft on this cruise, and on the return voyage stopped at Manus and Guadalcanal, arriving Port Hueneme, Calif.,27 August. During the next few months the escort carrier made similar cruises between the United States and the Navy's bases in the far Pacific, Manus, Ulithi, and Guam, bringing vitally-needed supplies and passengers.

"Hollandia" was anchored at Ulithi 1 April 1945 when the Navy's massive amphibious assault of Okinawa began. She got underway next day and operated off the Okinawan coast, sending fighters to support the advancing troops. The ship then returned to San Diego, arriving 1 May 1945. Following a cargo and passenger voyage to Pearl Harbor and return, Hollandia departed 7 June to take part in the climactic events of the Pacific war. Loading replacement aircraft at Pearl Harbor, the ship sailed 18 June to operate with 3d Fleet's logistic supply unit, and for the final 2 months of the war she brought valuable replacements to the carriers of the fast task forces pounding Japan.

Following the surrender of Japan, "Hollandia" underwent conversion at Guam for use as a passenger ship and joined Operation "Magic-Carpet", charged with the gigantic task of returning the thousands of American servicemen in the Pacific. After four such voyages, the ship returned to San Pedro. Departing 4 February 1946, she arrived Puget Sound 15 February and decommissioned 17 January 1947. She was reclassified while in reserve to CVU-97, 12 June 1955 and to AKV-33, 7 May 1959. Hollandia was sold to Eisenberg & Co., New York on 31 December 1960, and later scrapped in Portland, Oregon.

"Hollandia" received two battle stars for World War II service.

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