USS Vella Gulf - CVE-111 (Escort Carrier)

USS Vella Gulf (CVE-111), initially Totem Bay, was a Commencement Bay-class escort carrier commissioned in 1945. After training and air strikes against Japanese-held islands, she played a role in the initial occupation of Japan's home islands. Providing support, food, and fuel to fleet units, she later transported personnel from Okinawa to the U.S. West Coast. Vella Gulf operated as a training ship until 1946, was placed out of commission, reclassified, and transferred to the Military Sea Transportation Service. She was eventually sold for scrap in 1971, receiving one battle star for her World War II service.