The USS Kephart (DE-207/APD-61) was a Buckley-class destroyer escort built for the United States Navy during World War II. Laid down on 6 September 1943 at the Charleston Navy Yard, she was launched on 6 September 1943 and commissioned on 7 January 1944. The vessel measured approximately 306 feet in length, with a beam of about 36 feet, and was equipped with armament suitable for anti-submarine warfare and convoy escort duties, including torpedoes, guns, and depth charges. Initially designed for convoy escort in the Atlantic, Kephart spent her early service shuttling between New York, Gibraltar, and Bizerte, Tunisia. In July 1944, she was reclassified as a Charles Lawrence-class high-speed transport (APD-61), reflecting her modified role. She then joined the 7th Fleet in the Pacific theater, arriving at Hollandia, New Guinea, in November 1944. Her service included participation in amphibious assaults at Leyte Gulf, Ormoc Bay, San Jose, and Lingayen Gulf, often under intense enemy air attacks. She provided crucial support by landing reinforcements and engaging Japanese aircraft, notably shooting down two planes during a raid at Ormoc Bay. Throughout early 1945, Kephart conducted anti-submarine patrols and supported landings at various locations across the Philippines, Mindoro, and Borneo, including the notable amphibious operation at Balikpapan. She also participated in the final major Allied amphibious operation in the Pacific at Balikpapan in July 1945. In August 1945, after Japan's surrender, she was involved in occupation duties in Korea and China, transporting troops and supporting Chinese Nationalist efforts. Decommissioned in June 1947 and placed in reserve, Kephart was struck from the Navy List in 1967 and transferred to the Republic of Korea Navy, where she was renamed Kyong Puk (PF-82). She served in the Korean Navy until being struck in 1985. Throughout her service, Kephart earned five battle stars for her World War II operations, marking her as a significant vessel in wartime convoy escort, amphibious assault, and anti-submarine warfare.

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