The USS Harris (APA-2) was a notable attack transport vessel with a rich service history spanning from its initial launch in 1921 to its scrapping in 1948. Originally built as the Pine Tree State by Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation at Sparrows Point, Maryland, she was launched on 19 March 1921 as part of the Emergency Fleet Corporation Design 1029. Delivered on 3 November 1921, she served as a passenger liner for the U.S. Shipping Board under the name Pine Tree State, later renamed President Grant in 1922, operating primarily for American Orient Lines and American Mail Lines on routes to the Orient. She was renowned for being one of America's fastest Pacific liners until the 1930s. By the late 1930s, her commercial service was interrupted, and she was laid up following the Maritime strike of 1936-37. Acquired by the U.S. Navy in July 1940, the vessel was converted into a troopship at Todd's Seattle yard, receiving the hull number AP-8, and was renamed Harris. She was officially commissioned on 19 August 1940 and reclassified as Harris-class attack transport (APA-2), serving as the lead ship of her class. During World War II, USS Harris participated in numerous pivotal campaigns. She initially transported troops to Pearl Harbor and served as a troop training ship off San Diego. In 1942, she was deployed to the South Pacific, participating in the occupation of strategic points outside Japanese-occupied territories, notably Wallis Island and New Caledonia. She played a significant role in the North African invasion in November 1942, acting as the flagship of the transport force during the landings at French Morocco. Harris continued her service across the Pacific, participating in the invasions of Tarawa, the Marshall Islands, Saipan, Peleliu, and Leyte Gulf, among others. She was heavily engaged in amphibious assaults, often under enemy fire, and carried vital reinforcements and casualties. Her efforts contributed to the Allied advances toward Japan, including the Okinawa campaign, where she faced kamikaze attacks. After the war, she supported occupation duties in Japan and China before returning to the United States in 1946. Decommissioned on 16 April 1946, Harris was sold for scrap in 1948. Throughout her service, she earned ten battle stars, marking her as a distinguished vessel in the U.S. Navy's World War II fleet.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.