USS Oneida ( APA - 221 ) USS " Oneida " ( APA - 221 ) was a that saw service with the US Navy in World War II . " Oneida " was named after counties in Idaho , New York and Wisconsin ( the name " Oneida " itself originates from an Iroquoian Indian tribe living in New York state and its environs ) . The ship was approved for construction on 26 May 1944 , laid down 30 September 1944 by Permanente Metals Corporation of Richmond , California ( MCV Hull No . 569 ) and launched 31 October 1944 . She was acquired by the Navy on a loan - charter basis , and accepted and commissioned on 4 December 1944 , Captain Arthur C . Geisenhoff in command . Operational history . World War II . After shakedown , " Oneida " embarked troops and sailed for Pearl Harbor on 30 January 1945 , arriving 6 February . On 13 February , she was underway again , laden with troops en route to Eniwetok . From Eniwetok , she steamed to Ulithi and arrived on 28 February , joining the armada of ships at anchor there . As far as the eye could see , stretched the vast and growing Task Force 58 which was preparing for a drive into the Japanese home islands . Transport of casualties . On 27 March , " Oneida " sailed for Guam carrying survivors of aircraft carrier . The next day , she discharged the " Franklin " ' s marine air groups and picked up casualties of the bloody fight on Iwo Jima and headed back to Pearl Harbor . Leaving the wounded in Pearl , she took on board a large contingent of the 10th Army bound for Okinawa . Invasion of Okinawa . Approaching Okinawa on 23 May , " Oneida " was ordered to stand off as the island came under attack from one of its frequent kamikaze raids . Within the first 24 hours of her arrival , " Oneida " witnessed 56 separate raids on the island . Finally on 3 June , " Oneida " was called in and discharged her passengers under continuing Japanese air raids . " Oneida " departed Okinawa on 6 June and returned on the 24th with Army replacements and 8th Air Corps personnel . Discharging these , she took on board 1 , 050 Japanese prisoners , and in company with attack transport , also loaded with prisoners , she sailed for Pearl Harbor . The prisoners were transferred to a camp in Pearl 13 July and " Oneida " was again loaded with Army troops . After hostilities . En route to Okinawa , she made a stop at Ulithi and while anchored there received word of Japan ' s acceptance of unconditional surrender . With the status of her passengers changed to that of " occupation troops " , " Oneida " proceeded to Okinawa , arriving 22 August . From 5 September to 18 November , " Oneida " distributed occupation forces throughout the Far East , from Hollandia to Korea and China . From 18 November 1945 to 16 June 1946 , " Oneida " participated in Operation Magic Carpet , returning veterans to the states and taking replacements overseas for occupation duty . From 16 June to 27 December , " Oneida " performed services in local operations off the West Coast . Decommission . On 27 December 1946 , she was placed out of commission , in reserve , at Long Beach , California . Struck 1 October 1958 from the Navy Vessel Register , " Oneida " was transferred to the Maritime Administration where she was still berthed at Suisun Bay , California as of 1970 . Her final disposition is unknown . Decorations . " Oneida " earned one battle star for services in World War II .