Timeline 1943

Elmore (AP-87) was launched 29 January 1943 as Sea Panther by Ingalls Shipbuilding of Pascagoula, Mississippi, under a Maritime Commission contract. The keel had been laid on 19 June 1942, Hull Number 390 (Builder's Hull Number 327).

Reclassified "Attack Transport" (from AP-87 to APA-42). All transports were reclassified and renumbered on this date when it was determined by the Navy that these ships were, in fact, ATTACK transports. The addition of the letter "A" stands for "attack." The designation "APA" means "Auxiliary Personnel, Attack" in Navy-speak.

Completed and accepted by the War Shipping Administration for the Navy and placed in partial commission the same day for ferry to Maryland Drydock Company, Baltimore, MD. for conversion as a naval warship, CDR. Charles Allen, USN (Ferry Crew #4), in command. She arrived at the yard of Maryland Drydock Company on 25 April 1943.

Decommissioned (temporarily), while under conversion at Maryland Drydock Co., Baltimore, MD.

USS Elmore (APA-42) commissioned in full, Commander Drayton Harrison in command. Ship's Company consisted of 42 officers and 326 enlisted personnel. Christened USS Elmore after two counties of the same name in Alabama and Idaho. Moored starboard side of Pier #5, Fairfield Plant of the Maryland Drydock Company. Crew engaged in loading supplies.

Conducted dock trials under observance of representatives from Norfolk Navy Yard and Maryland Drydock Company.

All Maryland Drydock Company employees departed ship. Radar engineer from Raytheon Mfg. Company completed radar tests. Tugs Maryland, Mary and Carolyn came alongside. Steamed to Norfolk Naval Yard. Moored starboard side of Pier #7, Norfolk Naval Yard, Portsmouth, VA. Ship's conversion to warship continues,

Steamed to Lambert’s Point, VA Demagnetizing Station. Underwent deperming procedure to demagnetize partly (a ship's steel hull) as a precaution against magnetic mines. (This is done in dry dock by surrounding the hull with a large coil through which is sent an alternating current very strong at first but gradually diminishing in intensity.)

Arrived off Cape Charles City Radio Direction Finder and commenced swinging ship for purpose of calibrating direction finder and compensating magnetic compasses. Proceeded to Hampton Roads, VA, Berth #4, and loaded ammunition.

Performed degaussing procedure. (Degaussing is the process of decreasing or eliminating a ship's remnant magnetic signatures so as to reduce the danger from magnetic naval mines.) Elmore began a rigid training period, indoctrinating her officers and men in the art of amphibious warfare. Her boats which consisted of 2 LCM(3)'s, 2 LCPL's and 24 LCVP's were put over, exercised, and retrieved under all conditions imaginable.

Commenced steaming at various engine speeds and completed running measured mile range.

Proceeded to Firing Range "C" in Chesapeake Bay. Commenced structural test of firing all guns.

Proceeded to Firing Range "D" in Chesapeake Bay. Commenced target practice, firing all Anti-Aircraft ("AA") guns at sleeve target towed by aircraft.

Moored starboard side to Berth #43, Norfolk Naval Yard, Portsmouth, VA to continue work on uncompleted conversion items.

Preliminary training period now completed. Her compliment now consisted of 53 officers and 496 enlisted men. Elmore enroute from Norfolk Naval Yard, Portsmouth, VA to Panama Canal.

Proceeded through the Panama Canal enroute to San Diego, CA.

Arrived at San Diego, CA for training exercises. Conducted landing exercises with the 2nd Brigade, 24th Regiment, 4th Marine Division. Practiced departing boats from ship and exercised disembarking troops at Aliso Canyon, CA and San Clemente Island, CA. Simulated dive bombing and torpedo attacks by planes and practiced evasive maneuvers.