USS Gilbert Islands - CVE-107 (Escort Carrier)

USS Gilbert Islands (CVE-107), originally named St. Andrews Bay, was a Commencement Bay-class escort carrier. Launched on July 20, 1944, and commissioned on February 5, 1945, she played a significant role in World War II, supporting Pacific operations and conducting strikes on Japanese positions at Okinawa. After the war, she assisted in the liberation of Borneo and supported the occupation of Formosa. She was recommissioned in 1951, took part in various operations, including a Mediterranean cruise and experimental jet landings. In 1963, she was reclassified as USS Annapolis (AGMR-1) and played a crucial role in naval communications during the Vietnam War. Annapolis was decommissioned in 1969 and sold for scrap in 1979, earning seven campaign stars for her Vietnam War service.