Never commissioned, the
escort aircraft carrier was assigned to the Pacific Reserve Fleet,
19th Fleet, at Tacoma, Washington. On 12 June 1955, the ship was
reclassified as an escort helicopter aircraft carrier and
re-designated CVHE-123. In early June 1958 Tinian was taken in tow
at Tacoma, Washington, by the US Navy MSTS tugboat USNS Yuma
(T-AF94), destined for San Diego, California. Whilst very near the
Swiftsure Bank lightship, Neah Bay, Washington; at the entrance of
the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Yuma developed engine troubles. Yuma's
distress call brought the USCGC Fir (WLM-212) to her rescue. The
crew of the Swiftsure lightship went to general quarters, ready to
assist. Fir then escorted Yuma and Tinian to safety. On 9 June 1958,
Tinian arrived at San Diego, under tow by Yuma, and was berthed at
South Tee Pier. In May 1959, she was again reclassified, this time
as a cargo ship and aircraft ferry, AKV-23.
Tinian remained with the San Diego Group of the Reserve Fleet until
1 June 1970 when she was struck from the list. Her hulk was sold to
Levin Metals Company, San Jose California, on 15 December 1971 for
scrap. |