Welcome to the U.S.S. Cumberland Sound

William Clay McGehee

This web site is about the ship and crew of the U.S.S. Cumberland Sound, AV-17 – a Seaplane Tender commissioned February 23, 1944 and commanded by Captain Etheridge Grant. It began with the photographs and papers of William Clay McGehee, who served as a Lieutenant on that ship (he retired from the USNR with the rank of Commander). He was the ship’s meteorologist and photographer. He was also my father. Being a saved, born-again Christian, he has resided in Heaven since July 9, 2009. He was a member of the U.S.S. Cumberland Sound Veterans Association. As far as I can tell, that organization is no longer in existence; however, it is my hope that this web site will pick up where they left off and continue the memory of those who served on the Cumberland Sound.

We are sad to announce that Paul J Dunn died march 2023.
He proudly served on the Cuke.


The Cumberland Sound was commissioned in 1944 and decommissioned in 1947. This is likely the largest collection of photographs of the USS Cumberland Sound and her crew in existence.

This site is owned by Stephen Clay McGehee. It went on-line Thanksgiving Day, 2011.


© Stephen Clay McGehee 2011 – 2023
Unless otherwise noted, this work is copyrighted by Stephen Clay McGehee.
Material identified as being contributed by others is copyrighted
by the persons contributing that material.

Welcome to the U.S.S. Cumberland Sound