USS Camanga (AG-42)

USS Camanga (AG-42) – also known as USS Point Bonita (ID-3496) – was a commercial cargo ship acquired by the U.S. Navy for service during both World War I, when she was known as USS Point Bonita, and in World War II, when she was known as USS Camanga.

Constructed in Oregon
Camanga (AG-42) was built as Point Bonita in 1918 by Albina Engine and Machine Works, Portland, Oregon; acquired as Oliver Olson 25 April 1942 from the War Shipping Administration; and commissioned the same day, Lieutenant R. M. Baughman, USNR, in command.

World War II service
Illustrating graphically the need for all available shipping in meeting the Navy's enormous logistic assignment in the Pacific Ocean, Camanga, already 24 years old, sailed from Pearl Harbor 1 June 1942 for Pago Pago, Samoa, where she took up duty carrying cargo and fuel drums between the Samoan and Ellice Islands.

After overhaul at San Francisco, California, between 30 March and 6 June 1943, Camanga returned to Noumea for operations throughout the South Pacific Ocean. She continued this essential back-area support of fleet operations from Guadalcanal to the islands of the Bismarck Archipelago between April and October 1944, returning then to base at Nouméa.

An overhaul at Auckland, New Zealand, from November 1944 to January 1945 was the only further interruption to her busy schedule in the New Caledonia area until 1 October 1945 when she cleared for the U.S. West Coast.

Post-war decommissioning
Camanga was decommissioned at San Francisco, California, 10 December 1945 and returned to the War Shipping Administration the same day.

Wreck
After decommissioning, the ship was reacquired by the Oliver J. Olson Steamship Company. She returned to her former name, Oliver Olson, and was employed in the transportation of lumber. On 3 November 1953, she ran aground at the entrance to Bandon harbor in Oregon, becoming stuck on Coquille River's south jetty. The 29 members of crew were rescued, but the ship was declared a total loss and offered for sale to the scrap industry. The wreck was only partially salvaged, however, and what remained of the hull was eventually filled with rocks to form an extension of the jetty. The ship can still be seen today at low tide.