USS New Kent (APA-217) was a in service with the United States Navy from 1944 to 1949 and from 1951 to 1954. She was scrapped in 1972. History Construction New Kent was of the VC2-S-AP5 Victory ship design type and was named after New Kent County, Virginia. She was laid down 11 July 1944, under Maritime Commission (MARCOM) contract, MCV hull 565, by Permanente Metals Corporation, Yard No. 2, Richmond, California. She was launched 12 October 1944, sponsored by Mrs. W.J. Maher. The ship was commissioned on 22 November 1944. World War II New Kent was outfitted at the Naval Supply Depot, Oakland, California. The ship remained in the San Francisco Bay area until 8 December 1944, at which time she left the area, proceeding to San Pedro and later San Diego where she completed a shakedown period and engaged in amphibious training. On 20 January 1945, New Kent left San Diego with the January replacements for the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing and cargo destined for Majuro and Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands. New Kent arrived at Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, on 26 January, and departed on 30 January en route for Majuro escorted by . While underway, the escort in attempting to regain proper station, rammed New Kent amidships sustaining severe damage to herself but was able to proceed under her own power to Pearl Harbor. New Kent proceeded to Majuro arriving on 6 February, and left 7 February, arriving at Kwajalein the following day. After delivering her troops and cargo New Kent left Kwajalein on 10 February, arriving at Guadalcanal on 13 February. From this time until 15 March, the ship was engaged in combat loading troops and equipment of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Regiment, 1st Marine Division and in rehearsal exercises in the Guadalcanal-Russell Islands area preparing for the invasion of Okinawa. On 15 March New Kent departed the Guadalcanal area, and after a short stop at Ulithi, arrived off the western beaches of Okinawa on the morning of L-Day, 1 April. Landing her troops that afternoon, New Kent sent a beach party ashore the next day and then remained in the transport area, subject to frequent enemy air attack, until departing in convoy for Pearl Harbor on 7 April. After stopping en route at Guam, the convoy reached Pearl Harbor on 23 April. New Kent remained in the Hawaiian Islands for one month, engaged in