USS Pontus

History
United States
Name	Pontus
Namesake	A Latin form of Pontos, a Greek god of the sea
Builder	Chicago Bridge and Iron Co.
Laid down	13 July 1942
Launched	2 March 1943
Commissioned	24 March 1943 (Reduced Commission), 2 April 1943 (Full Commission)
Decommissioned	11 April 1946
In service	1943
Out of service	1946
Stricken	1 May 1946
Identification	Hull number: AGP-20 Ship International Radio Callsign: NJZO
Fate	Transferred to the Maritime Commission for disposal, 26 November 1947
General characteristics
Class and type	LST-1-class tank landing ship / Portunus-class motor torpedo boat tender
Displacement	3,755 tons (full load)
Length	328 ft (100 m)
Beam	50 ft (15 m)
Propulsion	Diesel engines, twin screws, 1,800 hp (1,300 kW)
Speed	12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph)
Complement	119
Armament	1 x 3 in (76 mm)/50 dual purpose mount

USS Pontus (AGP-20) was a motor torpedo boat tender in service with the United States Navy during the Second World War. Commissioned in March 1943, during the war she was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater.

Following the war, USS Pontus was assigned to Occupation service in the Far East from 8 to 20 November 1945. She was decommissioned in 1946 and struck the same year after just 3 years of service. She was transferred to the Maritime Commission for disposal on 26 November 1947. She earned three Battle Stars for World War II Service. Her current status is unknown, most likely scrapped.

Ship awards

• American Campaign Medal
• Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal(4)
• World War II Victory Medal
• Navy Occupation Service Medal(with Asia clasp)
• Philippines Liberation Medal

References

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