USS John Penn (APA-23) was a John Penn-class attack transport that served with the US Navy during World War II. Named after John Penn, a signatory to the American Declaration of Independence, she was the only ship in her class.
The ship was initially launched as Excambion in 1931 by the New York Shipbuilding Company of Camden, New Jersey as one of American Export Lines's original "Four Aces." She was acquired by the Navy 8 January 1942; and commissioned 6 April 1942, Captain Harry W. Need in command.
Famous quotes containing the words john and/or penn:
“Of all the men who were said to be my contemporaries, it seemed to me that John Brown was the only one who had not died.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“The spirit of [William] Penn will not be stayed. You cannot set limits to such knightly adventurers. After their own day is gone their spirits stalk the world, carrying inspiration everywhere that they go and reminding men of the lineage, the fine lineage, of those who have sought justice and right.”
—Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924)