Story
This navy stores ship was built in 1945 by Pennsylvania Shipyards Inc. in Beaumont, TX.
Historical Notes
George Schneider (Feb 2026) writes: Reference to this vessel as a U. S. Army or Air Force vessel named Octavia (F-46) in 1965 is probably a misinterpretation of her Navy service in WWII as AF-46, which would have been rendered as "F 46" on her hull. This vessel was sold in 1972 for "Non transportation use." In 1989 she grounded on St. Paul's Island, Alaska, and sustained major bottom damage.
She was considered a constructive total loss but was repaired.
In 2006 this vessel was broken up at Alang, India.
Owners & Masters
In 1945-1972 she was owned by the United States Maritime Commission, San Francisco CA USA. (In 1945-1946 she was operated by the U. S. Navy, in 1946-1947 she was operated by Matson Navigation Co, 1947-1972 she was in the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet).
In 1973-1978 she was owned by the Van Camp Seafood Co., Los Angeles CA USA and under Panama flag.
In 1978-1986 she was owned by Yardarm Knot Inc., Seattle WA USA.
In 1986-1995 she was owned by YAK Inc, Seattle WA USA.
In 1995-2004 she was owned by Yardarm Knot Fisheries LLC, Seattle WA USA.
In 1994-2006 she was owned by B. B. Momma Packers Inc., Bainbridge Island WA USA.
Armament
One single 3"/50 cal dual purpose gun mount
Six single 20mm AA gun mounts
Name Significance
Navy Storeships were generally named for astronomical features; Octavia is an asteroid with an orbit lying between those of Mars and Jupiter. The Maritime Commission generally named the C1-M and R1-M ships for nautical knots.
Rebuilds
1973-79 converted to a fish factory ship.
References
- Merchant Vessels of the United States (1946-89) and digital files (1992-2006)
- Navsource.net (accessed 2022), Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, Volume V, 1970.
