The USS William M. Hobby (APD-95), originally laid down as the Rudderow-class destroyer escort DE-236, was constructed at the Charleston Navy Yard, with her keel laid on 15 November 1943. She was floated out on 2 February 1944, but notably was built in a drydock rather than launched traditionally. During her construction, she was reclassified as a Crosley-class high-speed transport and redesignated APD-95, with this change occurring either on 17 June 1944 or 17 July 1945. The vessel was commissioned into the United States Navy on 4 April 1945, shortly after her conversion. The ship's specifications reflect her role as a fast, versatile transport designed to support amphibious operations. After shakedown training in Guantánamo Bay, she underwent amphibious and gunnery exercises along the U.S. East Coast, including Chesapeake Bay and Norfolk. In June 1945, she transited the Panama Canal to reach the California coast, arriving at San Diego on 17 June, before proceeding to Pearl Harbor in late June. During July 1945, she trained underwater demolition teams at Ma'alaea Bay, Hawaii. William M. Hobby’s service coincided with the final months of World War II. She operated in the Pacific, supporting demolition teams and participating in post-war occupation duties. Notably, in September 1945, she arrived in Japan, where she destroyed a floating naval mine off Hiro Wan and reconnoitered beaches to facilitate occupation landings. She also carried U.S. Army officers and Japanese personnel during her Asian operations. Decommissioned on 6 April 1946, William M. Hobby was placed in reserve at Green Cove Springs, Florida, where she remained until stricken from the Navy List on 1 May 1967. Subsequently, she was transferred to South Korea, renamed ROKS Chr Ju (PG-87), and later reclassified as a high-speed transport (APD-87). She was scrapped in 1989. Her brief but active service highlights her role in late WWII amphibious operations and post-war occupation efforts.

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