Timeline 1946

Steaming singly enroute from Leyte Gulf, Philippine Islands to San Francisco, CA. On 7 January, proceeded to rendezvous with SS Carl G. Barth to render medical assistance. Brought patient aboard Elmore. Resumed course to San Francisco.

Anchored in Anchorage 7, San Francisco Bay.

Underway from Anchorage 7, San Francisco Bay to Pier 45 "C" to discharge passengers. Completed debarking all Army and Navy passengers on 11 January. Received fuel and provisions on 12 January. Several members of the crew were transferred to Treasure Island Naval Station, San Francisco, CA for further transfer to various Separation Centers in the United States for discharge from the Navy.

Anchored in berth 68, anchorage 9, San Francisco Bay. On 16 January, Captain John L. Reynolds awarded to Lt. Cmdr. Hilton H. Shaw, the Bronze Star Medal for distinguishing himself by meritorious achievement as Executive Officer of the USS Elmore (APA-42) from 28 July, 1944 to 6 April 1945. Lt. Cmdr. Milton H. Shaw was detached from duty aboard this ship, with instructions to report to separation center, Boston, MA, for relief from active duty. Lt. Frank J. Marino, USN, assumed the duties of executive officer. On 18 January, several other members of the crew were transferred to Treasure Island Naval Station, San Francisco, CA for further transfer to various Separation Centers in the United States for discharge from the Navy.

Steaming singly enroute to Balboa, Panama Canal from San Francisco. On 21 January, joined company with USS Barnstable (APA-93). On 27 January, effected rendezvous with USS Reno (CL-96) and SS Boness Park. Patient George R. Newell, Master of SS Boness Park brought aboard suffering from bronchial pneumonia, to be transferred to Balboa, Panama Canal Zone.

Steaming singly enroute to Balboa, Panama Canal from San Francisco. Arrived at Panama Bay and proceeded to transit Panama Canal enroute to Cristobal, Panama Canal Zone with Pilot at the Conn, Captain , Executive Officer and Navigator on the bridge. Anchored in Anchorage Basin south of Gatan Locks awaiting clearance of locks.

Completed transit of Panama Canal.

Anchored in berth 205, Limon Bay, Panama Canal Zone. Steaming singly enroute to Mobile, AL from Cristobal, Panama Canal Zone. [Elmore's War Diary ends this date. Deck Log still in use.]

Pursuant to new orders, Elmore changed destination New Orleans, LA.

Anchored above the Quarantine Anchorage, New Orleans, LA. On 7 February, moored to starboard side of Stuyvesant Docks number one and two. On 15 February, proceeded to the Naval Ammunition depot and commenced unloading ammunition into railroad freight cars on the dock. On 15 February, proceeded to Wharf 1, Berth 2, Westwego, LA. Returned to Quarantine Anchorage, New Orleans, on the following day. On 19 February, moored starboard side to St. Andrew's Street wharf.

Anchored above the Quarantine Anchorage, New Orleans, LA. Administrative functions afloat are being handled by Commandant Eighth Naval District.

Moored to starboard side to St. Andrew's Street wharf. Industrial managers team and representatives of Boland Machine Works came onboard and commenced removing Navy equipment in preparation for decommissioning.

Steaming singly enroute from New Orleans, LA to Chickasaw, AL. On 8 March, proceeded through the channel, Mobile Bay, AL and anchored at the entrance to Mobile River, Mobile, AL. Continued on to Gulf Shipbuilding Corporation, Chickasaw, AL

Moored starboard side to Gulf Shipbuilding Corporation Dock, Chickasaw, AL. On 11 March, all public funds totaling $58,389.65 cash and $291,146.54 in checks were transferred from the ship. All Naval personnel were removed with gear to the Naval Barracks, Chickasaw, AL for berthing and messing in order to facilitate ship's work on preservation prior to decommissioning.

Captain L. Branneman came aboard as representative of the Commandant Eight Naval District for decommissioning. At 1006, commenced decommissioning ceremony. Captain Branneman read his order. Elmore's captain John L. Reynolds made a brief address to the crew. Reverend O.R. Sell offered a prayer. At 1006, the National Anthem was sounded, the colors and commission pennant hauled down, and the USS Elmore (APA-42) was decommissioned as a vessel of the United States Navy.