High-speed transport

In 1969, the remaining ships were reclassified as "Fast Amphibious Transports", hull symbol LPR.

[citation needed] During the war, newly built or unfinished destroyer escorts were converted to APDs.

[3] The first group of APDs (APD-1 through APD-36) were converted from one Caldwell-class, 17 Wickes-class, and 14 Clemson-class "flush-deck" destroyers built during and after World War I.

In place of the torpedo mounts, four davit-mounted LCPLs (Landing Craft Personnel, Large) were shipped.

[5] The second group of APDs were converted from 43 Buckley-class destroyer escorts (DE)s built in 1943-1945.

Typically, the converted DEs carried four LCVPs (Landing Craft Vehicle and Personnel) in a stacked davit configuration.

[10] In the Guadalcanal Campaign, neither side enjoyed the overwhelming local naval and air supremacy which ensured victory in every other amphibious operation of the war.

The concept of the high-speed transport embodied sufficient armament for the ship to defend herself against smaller warships and to support the troops she carried.

They were attacked by submarines, surface ships and aircraft (including kamikazes), and many were damaged or sunk.

[citation needed] One Charles Lawrence-class APD was lost during World War II.

[citation needed] These new ships were based on the Matsu-class destroyer, with the stern sloping down to the waterline to allow fast deployment of Daihatsu landing craft or other boats, amphibious tanks, or cargo.