>From the "Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships," (1981) Vol. 8, p.229. WESTCHESTER The name WESTCHESTER and the designation AK-219 were assigned to the projected C1-M-AV1 cargo vessel COASTAL DEFENDER on 25 February 1945. The ship was laid down under a Maritime Commission contract (MC hull 2173) on 21 March 1945 at Sturgeon Bay, Wis., by the Leathem D. Smith Shipbuilding Co.; launched on 3 June 1945; sponsored by Mrs. Henry Steinbrenner; and completed on 27 June 1945. However, due to the end of the war in the Pacific, the Navy cancelled the contract for the acquisition of the completed vessel in August. The ship thus commenced operations later in 1945 with her original intended owners, the shipping firm of Smith and Johnson. Transcribed by Michael Hansen mhansen2@home.com