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RETURN STATESIDE With the end of the War, work quickly began to close down operations, and to pack all personal belongings and gear for return to the United States. On October 25, 1945 the first group of squadron members, those with the highest number of discharge points, embarked aboard the USS Salamaua (CVE-96) for transportation to the United States. Departing Kwajalein on the 25th, the USS Salamaua arrived at Eniwetok following day. Leaving Eniwetok on October 27, the USS Salamaua set course for San Francisco via the northern route, arriving at Naval Base Treasure Island on November 7, 1945. Seven days following the departure of the USS Salamaua from Kwajalein, the remaining 346 members of VMB-613 boarded the USS Alnitah (AK-127) to return to the United States. Following stops at Roi and Majuro to load more passengers, the USS Alnitah proceeded to Pearl Harbor, arriving on November 12, 1945. Following a brief stop there, she sailed for San Diego. At San Francisco the first group of squadron members boarded the USS Botetourt (APA-136) on November 15, 1945 for transportation to MCAD Miramar where they would await the arrival of the remainder of the squadron. Arriving two days later, they did not have long to wait as the USS Alnitah arrived on November 21, 1945. Immediately following the arrival of the USS Alnitah, VMB-613 was concurrently detached from MAG-94, attached to Fleet Marine Air, West Coast, MCAD Miramar, and unceremoniously decommissioned pursuant to CNO dispatch 271419 and Marine Corps dispatch 301660, both dated October 1945. As the Marines of VMB-613 departed MCAD Miramar, most looked forward to some hard-earned leave prior to their new assignments while awaiting separation from active duty.
USS SALAMAUA: Following the end of the war, the first group of VMB-613's Marines returned to the United States aboard the escort carrier the USS Salamaua (CVE-96). Photograph: U.S. Navy Historical Archives
HEADED STATESIDE: Five members of VMB-613 aboard the pitching deck of the USS Salamaua headed back to the United States. Those pictured are (L-R): Technical Sergeant William A. Black Jr., Technical Sergeant Michael J. Brennan, Technical Sergeant William A. Kehr, Technical Sergeant Joseph E. Kirkpatrick, and Technical Sergeant Clarence J. Julich. Photograph: Marine Bombing Squadron Six-Thirteen (Courtesy of William A. Kehr) FRESH AIR: Technical Sergeant William A. Black Jr., Technical Sergeant William A. Kehr, Technical Sergeant Lester E. Bemis, Technical Sergeant Clarence J. Julich, and Technical Sergeant Joseph E. Kirkpatrick (L-R) get some fresh air on their way back to the United States aboard the USS Salamaua. Photograph: Marine Bombing Squadron Six-Thirteen (Courtesy of William A. Kehr)
USS ALNITAH: In November 1945 the remaining Marines of VMB-613 departed Kwajalein, headed to the United States, aboard the cargo ship USS Alnitah (AK-127). Photograph: U.S. Navy Historical Archives
MOUNTING OUT: On November 1, 1945 the remaining members of VMB-613 on Kwajalein gathered their gear and were transported to the USS Alnitah for their return to the United States. Photograph: Marine Bombing Squadron Six-Thirteen (Courtesy of Paul J. Yanacek)
ALNITAH'S LAUNCH: On November 1, 1945, the remaining group of VMB-613 members embarked aboard the USS Alnitah (AK-127) for transportation back to the United States. Seen above is a photograph of the ship's number painted on one of its launches. Photograph: Marine Bombing Squadron Six-Thirteen (Courtesy of Paul J. Yanacek)
HOMEWARD BOUND: Returning to the United States aboard the USS Anlitah, Staff Sergeant Paul J. Yanacek waves to the cameraman. Photograph: Marine Bombing Squadron Six-Thirteen (Courtesy of Paul J. Yanacek)
ALNITAH ADVOCATOR: Squadron members returning to the United States aboard the USS Alnitah were able to read the current news from the ship's newspaper. Article: USS Alnitah, AK-127 (Courtesy of Debbie Kane)
PEARL HARBOR: As the USS Alnitah moved through Pearl Harbor on November 12, 1945, this photograph was taken of the Southeast Loch area. Clearly visible is the headquarters building of CinCPac (left, below flag) and the 300-foot escape training tower at the submarine base. Photograph: Marine Bombing Squadron Six-Thirteen (Courtesy of Paul J. Yanacek)
USS BOTETOURT: The fist group of squadron members to arrive stateside arrived in San Francisco and were then transported to San Diego aboard the USS Botetourt (APA-136), arriving on November 17, 1945. Photograph: U.S. Navy Historical Archives
HOME SWEET HOME: Following their return stateside, Marines of VMB-613 enjoy liberty in San Diego. Front Row (L-R) Sergeant John J. Gavin, Corporal James J. Milhousen, Sergeant Charles J. Mikolajczyk, and Sergeant Warren D. Ritter. Back Row (L-R) - Technical Sergeant Nicholas M. Bozic, Corporal Raymond A. Timinskas, Sergeant Darrel W. Alderman, Sergeant Stanford R. Inman, and Sergeant Charles N. Cannato. Photograph: Marine Bombing Squadron Six-Thirteen (Courtesy of John J. Gavin) |
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