the transport arrived at san pedro, california, in january 1946 and remained there until sailing for the east coast on 7 march. "stratford" reached norfolk, virginia, on 7 march and reported to the 5th naval district for disposition. she departed there on 3 april and headed for baltimore, maryland, where she had originally entered naval service. "stratford" was decommissioned there on 17 april and returned to the war shipping administration on the same day. she was struck from the navy list on 1 may 1946.