USS Coronado (PF-38)

Coronado (PF-38) was launched 17 June 1943 by Consolidated Steel Corp., Los Angeles, Calif., under a Maritime Commission contract; sponsored by Mrs. J. R. Crutchfield; and commissioned 17 November 1943, Lieutenant Commander N. W. Sprow, USCG, in command.

Coronado sailed from San Diego 8 February 1944 for convoy escort duty to Noumea and Cairns, Australia, en route to New Guinea, arriving 25 March. After escorting troop and cargo transports to Manus to support the landings there, she returned to the New Guinea area for the operations in the western part of that island, taking part in the landings on Biak from 28 May to 17 June on Cape Sansapor from 15 to 18 August, and on Morotai on 15 September.

She sailed from Humboldt Bay 10 October 1944 to join in the Leyte operation, and served on escort and patrol duty between Leyte and New Guinea until 15 December. After overhaul at Boston and refresher training in Casco Bay, Coronado sailed for Seattle, arriving 26 April 1945. She got underway for Alaska 7 June, and on 25 June at Cold Bay, received four Russian officers and 45 men aboard for training. Coronado was decommissioned 12 July 1945, and transferred to Russia under lend lease. Returned to the United States at Yokosuka 16 October 1949, Coronado was placed in reserve there until 14 January 1953 when she was transferred to Japan under the Mutual Assistance Program.

From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Coronado I (PF-38)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.