USS Electra (AKA 4)

1942 - 1945

Contemporary account, thanks to Lloyd Grady

Page 1

I   In the early spring of 1942, the M.S. Meteor was taken over by the U.S. Navy and she was commissioned U.S.S. Electra (AK-21) at 1606 on 17 March 1942. Commander J. J. Hughes, U.S.N., commanding officer.   From the date of commissioning to 24 March 1942, U.S.S. Electra was engaged in engine trials, compensation and calibration of compasses and radio direction finders. She sailed on 24 March for Charleston, S.C., for further outfitting, arriving there the 27th and going into the Navy Yard the same day.   During the period 27 March to 9 April 1942, U.S.S. Electra was undergoing further outfitting and engaged in various trials. On 9 April 1942, she was underway for Norfolk, Va., arriving there 10 April and anchoring in Hampton Roads, Va.   The period from 11 April to 25 April was utilized for further calibration of instruments, loading of stores and shakedown training of ship's personnel.

II   On 25 April 1942, she proceeded to Army Base, Norfolk, Va., and loaded elements of the 1st Marine Division and equipment. U.S.S. Electra got underway 10 May for San Juan, Puerto Rico en route to New Zealand, and anchored in San Juan the morning of 14 May; sailing the morning of 15 May for Panama Canal. Arrived Panama Canal the morning of 18 May and made transit of canal same day, mooring to dock in Balboa, C. Z., that evening.   She sailed from Balboa, C. Z., morning of 20 May for New Zealand. At 0820, 22 May, crossed equator in longitude 83° - 57' West. During the period 3 to 7 June heavy southerly gales were experienced by the ship but no damage resulted. 10 June she crossed International Date Line and 11 June 1942, arrived in Wellington, N. Z. The next morning went alongside pier and disembarked troops and cargo.   On 22 June U.S.S. Electra got underway for Norfolk, Va. The voyage was uneventful. Crossed equator north bound 9 July in longitude 82° - 35' West. 11 July arrived Balboa, C. Z., and transited canal same day mooring in NOB, Coco Solo, during the night. 12 July she was underway for Norfolk, Va., and arrived Norfolk 18 July 1942.

III   The period from 19 July to 11 August 1942, U.S.S. Electra undergoing amphibious training in Chesapeake Bay off Cove Point and Lynnhaven Roads. On 11 August she arrived Portsmouth Navy Yard for overhaul period and outfitting. Remained in Navy Yard until 12 September 1942.   She left Navy Yard on 12 September and conducted trial runs and drills in Hampton Roads. From this date to 30 September, various drills, AA and short range battle practice were conducted.   During the period 1 to 3 October night tactical exercises were held in company with Transport Division 5. 3 October U.S.S. Electra moored to Army Base Dock, Norfolk, Va., and commenced loading elements of 2nd Armored Division and their equipment. 16 October she was underway for Chesapeake Bay. Conducted debarkation exercises during the period 17 - 21 October 1942. 23 October U.S.S. Electra joined Task Group 34.4 at Plantation Flats and thence proceeded to sea passing Cape Henry Light at 1032, 23 October 1942.

IV   From 23 October to 7 November 1942, U.S.S. Electra underway crossing Atlantic Ocean enroute to invasion of North Africa in company with Task Group 34.4, a part of the West African Task Force Convoy.   At 0055 on 8 November, arrived in transport area off Mehda, French Morocco, Africa. Launching of boats and transfer of troops conducted according to plan. Several French merchant ships passed Electra at 0505. At 0700 intensive fire from beach area observed, several shells falling about 2000 yards short of ship. U.S.S. Electra moved away from assault line to get out of range. Several "red" alerts were signalled and one plane was observed to be shot down during early morning hours. During the landing several U.S.S. Electra landing boats were damaged and lost on the beach. During the period of 8 - 14 November unloading continued as boats were available. Army wounded were brought aboard for treatment during this period.   At 1105 on the 14th the S.S. Export went alongside Electra to receive cargo. A prize crew with Lt(jg) Angelson in charge was put aboard. At 1402 the S.S. Export cast off and proceeded into Port Lyautey and at 1708 proceeded up the Wadi Selew river to unload cargo and the Electra prize crew returned to Electra. U.S.S. Electra got underway at 0500 for Fedala, French Morocco. At 0640 in position latitude 33° - 59' North, longitude 07° - 28' West a torpedo struck number 3 hold starboard side, the explosion tearing a hole 40 feet long and 12 feet high. Number 3 hold began filling rapidly, also number 2 hold from number 3. 0703 engines were stopped due to flooding of engine room crew except ship's rescue party. U.S.S. Cherokee came alongside to render assistance. 1015 U.S.S. Cherokee took Electra in tow. At 1140 the towing job was shifted to DD Sandsburg and the tug Cherokee came alongside to pump out engine room. Cherokee was aided in pumping by U.S.S. Raven which came alongside at 1215. The tow cable parted at 1640 and Cherokee again took U.S.S. Electra in tow, the U.S.S. Auk taking U.S.S. Cherokee's place at pumping. On approaching Casablanca Harbor the U.S.S. Raven and U.S.S. Auk cast off. With the aid of two French tugs the Electra was grounded in Casablanca Harbor at 0400, 16 November 1942.   From 16 November to 28, remaining cargo in ship was discharged. The morning of the 28th ship was towed into inner harbor and moored alongside Goandee Jettee for repairs. During the period 29 November 1942 to 8 April 1943, the Ship's Company of the U.S.S. Electra, aided by salvage facilities present, patched the torpedo hole in number 3 hold, completely overhauled engine room and other battle damage. During December 1942 the ship's classification and number was changed to AKA-4.   On 7 April 1943, after trials, it was determined that the U.S.S. Electra was able to proceed under her own power. Early morning the 11th of April U.S.S> Electra was underway for Charleston, S.C., unswe her own power in a mixed convoy. Arrived in Charleston, S.C., 30 April 1943, and went into Navy Yard Dry Dock, 7 May 1943. During the period 8 May to 8 June 1943, U.S.S. Electra came out of dock and was moored in Navy Yard, Charleston, S.C., until 1 July 1943 undergoing further overhaul and repairs.   On 23 June Lieutenant-Commander Charles S. Beightler, U.S.N., relieved Commander J.J. Hughes as commanding officer.   During the period 1 July to 8 July 1943, U.S.S. Electra was conducting trials and calibration in the Charleston area. The morning of 8 July 1943, U.S.S. Electra got underway for Norfolk, Va., arriving there 9 July 1943.

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