R/V Paul Revere, 1968

Paul Revere (APA–248) was originally laid down as MA hull 27 on 15 May 1952 by the New York SB Corp., Camden, N.J.; launched 11 April 1953 as SS Diamond Mariner; sponsored by Mrs. Franklin Ewers; delivered to MARAD 22 December 1953; operated by the Prudential Steamship Corp. for MARAD; placed in the Maritime Reserve Fleet 24 July 1954; acquired by the Navy 14 September 1956; classified APA–248 and named Paul Revere 4 June 1957; converted by Todd SB Corp., San Pedro, Calif.; and commissioned at Long Beach, Calif. 3 September 1958, Capt. Robert Erly in command.

After shakedown, Paul Revere spent the next full year participating in amphibious training operations. During 1960–1961, she was assigned “Ready APA” duty, in which she maintained on board, at all times, a fully equipped and reinforced battalion of landing troops to be put as ore on short notice at any trouble spot in the Pacific.

Following overhaul, she spent the remainder of 1962 in coastal amphibious training operations in the San Diego area. The year 1963 saw her complete a successful WestPac deployment and another rigorous schedule of training operations.

During 1968 she participated in training cruises for Naval Reservists and Midshipmen, including a special familiarization cruise for Sea Cadets. She also continued her upkeep and training preparations for her next coming deployment in January 1969.

[Taken from the entry on Paul Revere in the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.]