Changes

In one month, lathes, welding machines, as well as cutting outfits and repair tools for the necessary types of craft, were installed on board. Departmental shops of many kinds—ranging from machine shops to motor repair work, to shipfitting, to metalsmith, to electric, and radio repair, took shape in what had once been the cavernous tank deck. Experienced personnel, trained in ship repair work, were assigned to the ship and almost doubled the size of her complement. Ready for service by the latter part of May 1943, the former tank landing ship departed Australian waters, bound for New Guinea, and arrived at Milne Bay on 2 June 1943. She immediately commenced the work for which she had been converted, repairing LCI's under the guidance of the repair officer of Rigel (AR-11). In a comparatively short span of time, LST-455's men, eager and capable, enabled their ship to receive letters of commendation for her efficient work.

In one month, lathes, welding machines, as well as cutting outfits and repair tools for the necessary types of craft, were installed on board. Departmental shops of many kinds—ranging from machine shops to motor repair work, to shipfitting, to metalsmith, to electric, and radio repair, took shape in what had once been the cavernous tank deck. Experienced personnel, trained in ship repair work, were assigned to the ship and almost doubled the size of her complement. Ready for service by the latter part of May 1943, the former tank landing ship departed Australian waters, bound for New Guinea, and arrived at Milne Bay on 2 June 1943. She immediately commenced the work for which she had been converted, repairing LCI's under the guidance of the repair officer of Rigel (AR-11). In a comparatively short span of time, LST-455's men, eager and capable, enabled their ship to receive letters of commendation for her efficient work.

While she lay at Milne Bay, further alterations changed the ship's topside appearance: two evaporators were placed on her deck, enabling her to produce potable water for thirsty ships and craft; and a long deckhouse was added amidships. This work was done by the ship's force, working almost 'round the clock. Two king posts for hoisting supplies and gear on board were also added, forward, just abaft the elevator to the old tank deck. LST-455, in the words of her chronicler, "was the front line experiment for landing craft repair ships and as a result of her needs other ships could be more properly fitted out." Meanwhile, according to that historian, her men were developing a special pride for their ship.

While she lay at Milne Bay, further alterations changed the ship's topside appearance: two evaporators were placed on her deck, enabling her to produce potable water for thirsty ships and craft; and a long deckhouse was added amidships. This work was done by the ship's force, working almost 'round the clock. Two king posts for hoisting supplies and gear on board were also added, forward, just [[abaft]] the elevator to the old tank deck. LST-455, in the words of her chronicler, "was the front line experiment for landing craft repair ships and as a result of her needs other ships could be more properly fitted out." Meanwhile, according to that historian, her men were developing a special pride for their ship.

On 4 September 1943, Vice Admiral Daniel E. Barbey's 7th Fleet Amphibious Forces put Australian troops ashore on the Huon Peninsula, near Lae, New Guinea. LST-455 moved up to support these operations from Morobe Bay and, at 1100 on 12 September, lay anchored there among the Allied ships, presenting a tempting target by virtue of the nest of LCI's alongside. Nine Japanese dive bombers, escorted by nine "Zero" fighters, attacked the shipping in Morobe Bay and singled out LST-455 for attention, scoring a direct hit aft. A large bomb hit the stern, passed through the galley, and exploded in the crew's quarters, aft, starting fires and trapping men in the after steering room. Determined sailors battled the blaze and cut through bulkheads to rescue the trapped men. The damage control measures were directed by the ship's commanding officer, Lt. E. A. Peterson, USNR (who had relieved Lt. Cisin in August) and won him a Navy Cross for personal heroism.

On 4 September 1943, Vice Admiral Daniel E. Barbey's 7th Fleet Amphibious Forces put Australian troops ashore on the Huon Peninsula, near Lae, New Guinea. LST-455 moved up to support these operations from Morobe Bay and, at 1100 on 12 September, lay anchored there among the Allied ships, presenting a tempting target by virtue of the nest of LCI's alongside. Nine Japanese dive bombers, escorted by nine "Zero" fighters, attacked the shipping in Morobe Bay and singled out LST-455 for attention, scoring a direct hit aft. A large bomb hit the stern, passed through the galley, and exploded in the crew's quarters, aft, starting fires and trapping men in the after steering room. Determined sailors battled the blaze and cut through bulkheads to rescue the trapped men. The damage control measures were directed by the ship's commanding officer, Lt. E. A. Peterson, USNR (who had relieved Lt. Cisin in August) and won him a Navy Cross for personal heroism.