USS Oyster Bay (AGP-6) - Construction, Commissioning, and Shakedown

Construction, Commissioning, and Shakedown

Oyster Bay was laid down as a Barnegat-class small seaplane tender designated AVP-28 at Lake Washington Shipyard, Houghton Washington, on 17 April 1942, and was launched on 7 September 1942, sponsored by Mrs. William K. Harrill. On 1 May 1943 she was reclassified as a motor torpedo tender and redesignated AGP–6 and, accordingly, completed to a modified design to allow her to fulfill this new role. She was commissioned on 17 November 1943, with Lieutenant Commander Walter W. Holroyd, USNR, in command.

Oyster Bay departed Seattle, Washington, on 7 December 1943 for shakedown at San Diego, California, which lasted for the remainder of 1943.