The USS General R. L. Howze (AP-134) was a General G. O. Squier-class transport ship for the U.S. Navy in World War II. The vessel was laid down in 1942, launched and acquired in 1943, and commissioned in 1944. The U.S. Coast Guard crewed the ship throughout the war. After shakedown, the transport loaded supplies, embarked troops, and sailed for the southwest Pacific to support the American presence. She carried soldiers and supplies for the Navy's amphibious offensive sweep toward Japan. She even transported Japanese prisoners of war, completing a total of 11 voyages to the combat areas of the Pacific. In 1946, the ship was tasked with bringing home veterans. She was decommissioned and placed in reserve in 1947, returning to the War Department as an Army Transport in 1948. The Navy reacquired the transport ship in 1950 and joined the Military Sealift Command with a civilian crew. For her Korean War service, the vessel received six battle stars. Diseases linked to asbestos exposure can take decades before manifesting symptoms. If you served on board the USS General R. L. Howze (AP-134) and are experiencing a persistent dry cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain, these are signs of asbestos fibers in your lungs.
760-621-6147