USS Flagler (AK-181)

USS Flagler (AK-181) was an Alamosa-class cargo ship acquired by the U.S. Navy during the final months of World War II. She served the Pacific Ocean theatre of operations for a short period of time before being decommissioned at Okinawa and returned to the U.S. Maritime Administration for dispositioning.

Built in Richmond, California
Flagler (AK-181) was launched 24 March 1945 by Kaiser Cargo Co., Inc., Richmond, California; sponsored by Mrs. T. B. Smith; and commissioned 18 May 1945, Lieutenant P. S. Smith, USNR, in command.

World War II-related service
Flagler sailed from San Francisco, California, 5 July 1945 with cargo for Ulithi and Leyte Gulf, where she discharged the last of her load 6 August. Here she loaded supplies and men for Okinawa, from which she sailed 29 August for Guam and Saipan.

Grounded during a typhoon
Okinawa-bound again 12 September, Flagler sailed through a raging typhoon, which caused some damage to the ship, but arrived safely 18 September. Twice while at Okinawa she put to sea to avoid typhoons, evading the first. During the second, on 9 October, she was grounded. Success in a difficult salvage operation refloated her 26 October.

Decommissioning and disposal
Flagler was decommissioned at Okinawa 24 December 1945, and returned to her owners.