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.
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USS Salamaua |
Headed Stateside |
Aboard the Salamaua |
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Fresh Air of the Pacific |
USS Botetourt |
Home Sweet Home |
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USS Alnitah |
Diamond Head |
Pearl Harbor |
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Aboard the USS Alnitah |
Alnitah Advocator |
Launch of USS Alnitah |
