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NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive
Patches contributed by Mike Smolinski

USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP-176)
ex
 USS General J. C. Breckinridge (AP-176) (1945 - 1946)

International Radio Call Sign:
November - Delta - Tango - Xray
 NDTX
Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons




Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row - China Service Medal (extended) - American Campaign Medal
Second Row - Europe-Africa-Middle East Campaign Medal - Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal - World War II Victory Medal
Third Row - Navy Occupation Service Medal (with Asia clasp) - National Defense Service Medal (2) - Korean Service Medal (4)
Fourth Row - Vietnam Service Medal (1) - United Nations Service Medal - Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

USS General J.C. Breckinridge (AP-176) was manned by the Coast Guard during World War II
General John Pope Class Transport:
  • Laid down as a Maritime Commission type (P2-S2-R2) hull, under Maritime Commission contract (MC hull 2080) at Federal Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Kearny, N.J.
  • Launched, 18 March 1945
  • Commissioned USS General J. C. Breckinridge (AP-176), 30 June 1945, CAPT. Harold S. Berdine, USCG, in command
  • During World War II USS General J.C. Breckinridge operated in both the Europe-Africa-Middle East and Asiatic-Pacific Theaters
  • Coast Guard crew replaced with a Navy crew 10 February 1946
  • USS General J.C. Breckinridge was assigned to Occupation and China service in the Far East for the following periods:

    Navy Occupation Service Medal
    China Service Medal (extended)
    13 to 15 March 194716 to 21 May 1946
    25 to 31 March 19476 to 16 July 1946
    10 to 11 June 194730 August to 1 September 1946
    21 to 25 June 194716 to 24 March 1947
    31 January to 3 February 194812 to 20 June 1947
    6 to 9 September 19486 to 14 February 1948
     28 August to 3 September 1948
     26 December 1948 to 6 January 1949
     4 to 5 January 1953
     3 June 1953
     10 November to 3 December 1953
     7 December 1954
     15 June 1955

    USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP-176) with a Navy crew
  • During the Korean War USS General J.C. Breckinridge (T-AP-176) participated in the following campaigns:

    Korean War Campaigns
    Campaigns and Dates Campaigns and Dates
    North Korean Aggression
    16 to 17 August 1950
    18 to 21 September 1950    		 Inchon Landing
    16 to 17 September 1950
    Communist China Aggression
    22 to 25 November 1950
    4 to 24 December 1950    		 First UN Counter Offensive
    15 to 16 February 1951

  • During the Vietnam War USS General J.C. Breckinridge (T-AP-176) participated in the following campaign:

    Vietnam War Campaign
    Campaigns and Dates
    Vietnam Defense
    11 to 16 July 1965
    12 to 17 September 1965
    28 to 30 October 1965

  • Decommissioned, date unknown
  • Struck from the Naval Register, date unknown
  • Transferred to the Maritime Administration, 1 December 1966, for lay up in the National Defense Reserve Fleet, Suisun Bay, Benecia, CA
  • Final Disposition, sold for scrapping, in 1987 for $1,345,600, scrapped in Taiwan in 1988
  • USS General J. C. Breckinridge received four battle stars for Korean War service and one campaign star for Vietnam War service
    Specifications:
    Displacement 11,450 t.(lt) 20,175 t.(fl)
    Length 622' 7"
    Beam 75' 6"
    Draft 25' 6"
    Speed 20.6 kts.
    Complement
    Officers 40
    Enlisted 426
    Troop Accommodations
    Officers 393
    Enlisted 4,896
    Cargo Capacity 2,700 DWT
    non-refrigerated 99,542 Cu. ft.
    Armament
    four single 5"/38 cal. dual purpose gun mounts
    four twin 40mm AA gun mounts
    sixteen 1.1" guns replaced with twenty single 20mm AA guns
    Fuel Capacities
    NSFO 19,600 Bbls
    Diesel 410 Bbls
    Propulsion
    two De Laval steam turbines
    four Foster & Wheeler D-type boilers, 465psi 765°
    double De Laval Main Reduction Gears
    four turbo-drive 400Kw 120V/240V D.C. Ship's Service Generators
    twin propellers, 17,000shp
    Click On Image
    For Full Size Image    		 Size Image Description Source
    USS General J.C. Breckinridge (AP-176)
    General J C Breckinridge 19k
    Namesake

    James Carson Breckinridge was born 13 September 1877 at Memphis, Tenn., and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant for the Spanish American War in 1898. He saw service in the Philippines, China, and Central America in the years that followed, and commanded a Marine detachment on Utah at the capture of Vera Cruz in 1914. General Breckinridge commanded the Washington Marine Barracks 1923-25 and the Marine detachment at the American Legation at Peking, China, 1930-32. He also commanded Marine Corps schools at Quantico, Va., and Parris Island, S.C. Breckinridge retired a Lieutenant General 1 October 1941 and died 2 March 1942 at Summit Point, W. Va.    		 Troy Elkins
    General J C Breckinridge 20k
    General J C Breckinridge 49k A halftone reproduction of a photograph of USS General J. C. Breckinridge (AP 176) underway, circa 1945-1946, location unknown. Copied from the book "Troopships of World War II", by Roland W. Charles.
    US Navy photo # NH 104635 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Center.    		 US Naval Historical Center
    General J C Breckinridge 73k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (AP 176) underway in San Francisco Bay circa early 1946 bringing servicemen home from the western Pacific. Many of her several thousand passengers are topsides watching her arrival..
    US Navy photo # NH 98761 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Center. Donation of Boatswain's Mate First Class Robert G. Tippins, USN (Retired), 2003.    		 US Naval Historical Center
    General J C Breckinridge 79k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (AP 176) underway in 1946, location unknown.
    US Navy photo.    		 Courtesy, Chuck Ulrich, coordinator/historian AP Transport Group
    General J C Breckinridge 76k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (AP 176) moored pierside at Shanghai, China in 1946. H.C.Jordan QMS3/c YO-77
    USS General J.C. Breckinridge (T-AP-176)
    General J C Breckinridge 41k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) underway at Pearl Harbor, circa 1946-1947. Note the large improvised covers over her forward 5-inch guns, which are probably in a state of preservation. Different style covers were used on different ships of this class. The ship's paint scheme may be that of the Naval Transportation Service (NTS), which was replaced by the Military Sea Transport Service (MSTS) in 1949.
    US Navy photo # NH 104042 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Center. Collection of Rear Admiral Bradford Bartlett, USN.    		 US Naval Historical Center
    General J C Breckinridge 44k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) underway at Pearl Harbor, circa 1946-1947. Three of her 5-inch guns are in a state of preservation under improvised covers, but the fourth, right aft, may be operational.
    US Navy photo # NH 104041 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Center. Collection of Rear Admiral Bradford Bartlett, USN.    		 Robert Hurst
    General J C Breckinridge 52k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) operating during the Korean War. Her armament, which had been mothballed on board after World War II, is again fully functional.
    US Navy photo # NH 104018 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Center.    		 US Naval Historical Center
    General J C Breckinridge 32k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) arriving Pusan, South Korea, December 1950
    US National Archives photo # 80-G-425439, a US Navy photo now in the collections of the US National Archives    		 US Naval Historical Center
    General J C Breckinridge 118k Aboard USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) a U.S. Marine guards two captured enemy soldiers on board the transport, probably while en route from Hungnam to Pusan, circa late December 1950. Note his M1 rifle (with safety in the "off" position), cartridge belt and other gear. This photograph was received by the Naval Photographic Center, 18 January 1951. .
    US National Archives photo # 80-G-425452 from the collections of the US Naval Historical.    		 US Naval Historical Center
    General J C Breckinridge 97k Aboard USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) Captain Fremont B. Eggers, USN, shows Major General David G. Barr the course to another port, during operations off Korea. MGen. Barr commanded the Seventh Infantry Division. The photo may have been taken during that unit's evacuation from Hungnam, North Korea, about 21 December 1950. This photograph was received by the Naval Photographic Center on 18 January 1951.
    US National Archives photo # 80-G-425454 from the collections of the US Naval Historical.    		 US Naval Historical Center
    General J C Breckinridge 53k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) handling cargo while pierside, date and location unknown.
    US Navy photo # NH 104022 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Military Sealift Command collection.    		 US Naval Historical Center
    General J C Breckinridge 56k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) arriving in San Francisco Bay, with members of the First Marine Division from Korea, 5 March 1951.
    US Navy photo # NH 104014 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Center.    		 Robert Hurst
    General J C Breckinridge 129k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) arrives at San Francisco, 5 March 1951.
    US National Archives photo # 80-G-427205, a US Navy photo now in the collections of the US National Archives.    		 US Naval Historical Center
    General J C Breckinridge 136k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) arrives at San Francisco, 5 March 1951. Note troops crowded on deck, welcoming fireboat and Alcatraz prison in the background.
    US National Archives photo # 80-G-427206, a US Navy photo now in the collections of the US National Archives.    		 US Naval Historical Center
    General J C Breckinridge 32k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) arriving Yokohama, Japan, 1952
    US National Archives photo # 80-G-441050, a US Navy photo now in the collections of the US National Archives.    		 US Naval Historical Center
    General J C Breckinridge 85k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) alongside a pier at US Army Port of Embarkation, Fort Mason at San Francisco, CA., circa the early 1950s. A sister transport is on her left, and one of three Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS)-operated storeships of the USNS Bald Eagle (T-AF-50) class is on her right. This was the normal eastern terminus of Breckinridge's trans-Pacific voyages. These piers still exist as part of the Fort Mason Center, a National Historic Landmark and cultural center. .
    US Navy photo # NH 104020 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Center. Military Sealift Command collection.    		 Robert Hurst
    General J C Breckinridge 65k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) moored at San Francisco, CA. circa the early 1950s, probably just after arriving from the Western Pacific. An attack cargo ship (AKA) is moored to the left.
    US Navy photo # NH 104039 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Center. Military Sealift Command collection.    		 US Naval Historical Center
    General J C Breckinridge 47k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) underway, circa the early 1950s, location unknown clearly showing her armament of two 5-inch guns abreast forward and two on the centerline aft.
    US Navy photo # NH 78155 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Center. Courtesy of Donald M. McPherson, 1973.    		 US Naval Historical Center
    General J C Breckinridge 131k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) moored pierside at US Army Port of Embarkation, Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA., in 1953. Photo by Jim Hill
    General J C Breckinridge 110k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) moored pierside at US Army Port of Embarkation, Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA., in 1953. Photo by Jim Hill
    General J C Breckinridge 158k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) moored pierside at Honolulu, HI, circa 1953. Photo by Jim Hill
    General J C Breckinridge 165k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) burial at sea, circa 1953. Photo by Jim Hill
    General J C Breckinridge 157k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) burial at sea, circa 1953. Photo by Jim Hill
    General J C Breckinridge 59k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) heading towards Pier 2 at Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA., 30 June 1954 after a voyage from Yokosuka or Yokohama, Japan.
    US Navy photo # NH 104021 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Center.    		 US Naval Historical Center
    General J C Breckinridge 46k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) arriving at Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA. in March 1955. She is still carrying her original 5-inch gun armament. The smoke from number 2 stack and the short white wake suggest she is going astern on the port shaft to help turn the ship towards the Fort Mason piers on the right.
    US Navy photo # NH 104017 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Center.    		 US Naval Historical Center
    General J C Breckinridge 64k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) underway in the mid-1950s following removal of her armament. Her name is misspelled on the label added to the image.
    US Navy photo # NH 104013 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Center.    		 US Naval Historical Center
    General J C Breckinridge 50k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) underway in the mid-1950s following removal of her armament.
    US Navy photo # NH 104038 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Center Military Sealift Command collection.    		 Robert Hurst
    General J C Breckinridge 59k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) underway in the mid-1950s following removal of her armament.
    US Navy photo # NH 104015 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Center.    		 US Naval Historical Center
    General J C Breckinridge 56k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) underway in the mid-1950s following removal of her armament.
    US Navy photo # NH 104016 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Center.    		 US Naval Historical Center
    General J C Breckinridge 71k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) playroom for children, featuring a brightly colored mural with a toy auto race track at the bottom. Everything in the room, including the "scuttlebutt" (drinking fountain), was scaled for the convenience and comfort of children. Photographed , 18 May 1959, just after the ship completed a refurbishment.
    US Navy photo # NH 104046 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Military Sealift Command collection.    		 US Naval Historical Center
    General J C Breckinridge 52k Aboard USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) Major General James Berkeley, Commander, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, is "piped over the side" on 22 May 1959, after inspecting the newly refurbished ship.
    US Navy photo # NH 104047 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Military Sealift Command collection.    		 US Naval Historical Center
    General J C Breckinridge 78k Aboard USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) LT. Richard Rosenberg, USNR, points out new non-sag springs and foam rubber mattresses in the ship's troop quarters, 22 May 1959. From left to right, Guy Harrell, Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Passenger Operations for American President Lines (APL); McKenzie Porter, Administrative Assistant in charge of Freight Traffic for APL; and John Diggs, Vice President of Passenger Operations for APL. The ship had just completed a refurbishment.
    US Navy photo # NH 104048 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Military Sealift Command collection.    		 US Naval Historical Center
    General J C Breckinridge 52k Aboard USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) Vice Admiral Francis Denebrink, USN (Ret.), a former commander of MSTS, and the ship's commanding officer, Captain Roy Davenport, discussing the just-completed refurbishment of the ship, 22 May 1959. Vice Admiral Denebrink, at right, was then Special Assistant to the President of the States Steamship Company.
    US Navy photo # NH 104049 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Military Sealift Command collection.    		 US Naval Historical Center
    General J C Breckinridge 76k Aboard USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) a Chief Petty Officer shows one of the new foam mattresses installed in the ship's troop quarters during her recent refurbishment, circa May 1959.
    US Navy photo # NH 104050 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Military Sealift Command collection.    		 US Naval Historical Center
    General J C Breckinridge 71k Aboard USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) Chief Steward J. Hinton, USN, a 42-year Navy veteran, displaying the elaborate cake his department prepared for a party on the ship celebrating the 17th anniversary of the WAVES. The date 1 August 1959 is stamped on the original photo, which was released for publication on 6 August 1959.
    US Navy photo # NH 104051 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Military Sealift Command collection.    		 US Naval Historical Center
    General J C Breckinridge 82k Aboard USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) a group of teachers visiting the ship's pilot house, in a photograph back stamped 2 November 1962.
    US Navy photo # NH 104052 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Military Sealift Command collection.    		 US Naval Historical Center
    General J C Breckinridge 114k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) underway, date and location unknown.
    US Navy photo    		 Tom Langford
    General J C Breckinridge 106k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) passing under the Golden Gate Bridge as she arrives at San Francisco, circa 1962.
    US Navy photo    		 Deborah Towler
    General J C Breckinridge 67k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) moored pierside, circa 1960s, location unknown. Sailor in photo is unidentified Tommy Trampp
    General J C Breckinridge 193k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) docking at San Diego in May 1965 to embark 2d Bn 9th Mar (FMF) for duty at Okinawa. Thomas Livingston
    General J C Breckinridge
    092217643    		 212k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) underway, date and location unknown.
    U.S. Navy MSTS photo    		 Nicholas Tiberio
    General J C Breckinridge
    092217644    		 241k USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP 176) passing under the Golden Gate Bridge at San Francisco, CA. while outbound to sea, date unknown.
    U.S. Navy MSTS photo    		 Nicholas Tiberio
    USS General J. C. Breckinridge (AP-176 / T-AP-176)
    Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (DANFS)
    Commanding Officers
    01CAPT. Berdine, Harold Sloop, USCG :RADM30 June 1945 - 10 February 1946
    02CAPT. Thayer, Rufus Gerard10 February 1946 - ?
    03CAPT. Eggers, Fremont Baldwin1951 - April 1952
    04CAPT. Maguire, Paul SylvesterApril 1952 - August 1953
    05CAPT. Todd Jr., David WoosterAugust 1953 - ?
    07CAPT. Davenport, Roy Milton1958 - August 1959
    08CAPT. Iffrig, Francis OthmarAugust 1959 - August 1960
    09CAPT. Doukas, Nicholas George USN (USNA 1935)August 1960 - 1961
    Courtesy Wolfgang Hechler and Ron Reeves
    Crew Contact And Reunion Information
    U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation - Navy Log
    Additional Resources and Web Sites of Interest
    MARAD Vessel History Database
    Souvenir Edition - The Breckinridge News, 25 Nov. 1945 & Officers Berthing & Messing Card
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    Last Updated 2 December 2022