The USNS Guam is a United States Navy ship that has served multiple roles since its construction in 1944. Initially named the SS Lakewood Victory, it was built as a cargo ship during World War II. In 1950, the ship was transferred to the U.S. Navy and converted into a troop transport vessel named USNS General William Mitchell. Following its service in the Korean War, the ship underwent various changes and was eventually renamed USNS Guam in 1964. The USNS Guam played a crucial role in supporting military operations, including transporting troops and supplies during the Vietnam War. Over the years, the ship underwent several modifications to enhance its capabilities, such as the installation of helicopter landing pads and refitting to accommodate larger cargo. The vessel was also involved in humanitarian missions, providing aid during various natural disasters. In 1987, the USNS Guam was decommissioned and later transferred to the U.S. Maritime Administration's National Defense Reserve Fleet. Despite being inactive, the ship remains a part of the nation's maritime history and its versatile service reflects the adaptability of naval vessels in fulfilling diverse roles over time.

This description has been generated using GPT-3.5-TURBO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.