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| USN Crater Class Cargo Ship 4,023 Tons (standard) 14,500 (full load) 441' 6" x 56' 11" x 28' 4" 1 x 5" 38 caliber gun 1 x 3" gun 2 x 40mm AA guns 6 x 20mm AA guns  USN May 11, 1943  USN May 25, 1943 |
Ship History Built by Permanente Metals Corporation in Richmond, California. Laid down March 28, 1943 as Liberty ship (EC2-S-C1) hull number 1106 for the U.S. Maritime Commission at a cost of $959,509. Launched April 25, 1943 as Isaac Babbitt. On May 8, 1943 acquired by the U.S. Navy (USN). Commissioned May 25, 1943 as USS Etamin (AK-93) named after the brightest star in the constellation Draco with Lieutenant Commander George Washington Stedman, Jr., USCGR, in command with a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) crew. Wartime History She was assigned to the Naval Overseas Transportation Service, 12th Naval District with operational control given to Commander, 7th Fleet Service Force. On December 8, 1943 assigned to the South West Pacific Area (SWPA) as one of five USN and USCG manned Liberty Ships assigned to support the U.S. Army as a cargo and stores vessel. On April 27, 1944 while anchored at Aitape Roads roughly 1,000 yards off Aitape on New Guinea. During the night, the weather was cloudy raining with limited visibility when attacked by Japanese aircraft. At approximately 11:00pm an aerial torpedo hit the starboard side at frame number 154 causing a rupture in the plating and flooding to the propeller shaft alley and no. 5 hold loaded with munitions and water pressure caused watertight doors to spring open and flooded the engine room. The explosion sprayed fuel over the rear of the ship but it did not ignite. Afterwards, damage control efforts required safety valve adjustments until fuel vapors reached the furnace and caused an explosion that set fire to the engine room and burned three crew. Afterwards, Steward's Mate First Class (StM1c) Emlen L. Tunnell saved a fellow crew member who was set afire by the blast and beat out the flames with his bare hands and was burned then carried his shipmate to safety. Afterwards, the ship's CO2 system was triggered and extinguished most fires but the damaged ship was beginning to settle to stern and the captain attempted to beach the damaged ship but all power was cut and it was impossible to raise the anchor and the ship was dead in the water without any propulsion. Instead, a tow line was given to a nearby LCT but it was unable to move the damaged ship. Afterwards, towed to Finschafen and salvage crews assessed the damage. On May 8, 1944 a large crack was observed on the starboard corner of the no. 3 hatch and welding and repairs were performed on all four corners. On May 12, 1944 another crack was observed on the port corner of the no. 3 extending outward and similar repairs were performed. These cracks indicated structural damage and the potential for the ship to break in half and a damage report submitted on June 1, 1944. Afterwards, towed to Cairns. On June 26, 1944 decommissioned. On August 12, 1944 designated Etamin (IX-173) an unclassified miscellaneous auxiliary and continue to provide stores to other vessels and required towing. For her World War II service, earned two battle stars. Postwar On July 9, 1946 placed out of service at at Subic Bay. On July 31, 1946 stricken from the Navy and returned to the U.S. Maritime Commission for disposal. On January 29, 1948 sold the Asia Development Corporation in Shanghai for $271,000 and delivered March 3, 1948 then scrapped. References NARA "War Damage U.S.S. Etamin; Final Report of." 1 June 1944 by G. W. Steadman, Jr. pages 1-3 NavSource - USS Etamin (AK-93) / Etamin (IX-173) (photos) Contribute
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