The USS Henrico (APA-45) was a Bayfield-class attack transport built on a Type C3-S-A2 hull, originally laid down as SS Sea Darter under a Maritime Commission contract. Constructed by Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, the vessel was launched on 31 March 1943 and initially acquired by the Navy as Naval Transport (AP-90). It was soon reclassified as Attack Transport (APA-45) on 1 February 1943, and after commissioning on 27 June 1943, underwent fitting out and was recommissioned on 26 November 1943. The ship measured approximately 455 feet in length, with a beam of 62 feet, and was designed to carry troops, cargo, and landing craft for amphibious operations. After shakedown training in Chesapeake Bay, Henrico participated in key World War II campaigns, notably the Normandy invasion on D-Day, where it landed the 16th Regiment of the First Infantry Division at Omaha Beach amidst heavy enemy fire and rough seas. She also took part in the invasion of southern France, landing troops at Baie de Pampelonne in August 1944. During the Pacific Theater, Henrico was involved in the Okinawa campaign, serving as part of the Kerama Retto attack group. She was severely damaged when a kamikaze attack on 2 April 1945 crashed into her bridge, resulting in the loss of 49 crew members, including her captain. Despite the damage, the ship was able to sail under her own power to San Francisco for repairs. Post-World War II, Henrico participated in Operation Crossroads, testing atomic bombs at Bikini Atoll, and supported troop rotations during the Korean War, including landings at Inchon and evacuation operations amid Chinese advances. She earned the Navy Unit Commendation for her service. During the Cold War, she was involved in evacuations during the Taiwan Strait crisis and supported amphibious operations in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. She was active in Vietnam, landing Marines at Da Nang and supporting coastal operations until her decommissioning on 14 February 1968. Reclassified as LPA-45 in 1969, she was struck from the Navy List in 1973 and sold for scrapping in 1979. Throughout her service, USS Henrico played a vital role in amphibious warfare, troop transport, and logistical support across multiple conflicts, marking her as a significant vessel in U.S. naval history.

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