USS Portent (AM-106)

USS "Portent" (AM-106) was an "Auk"-class minesweeper acquired by the U.S. Navy for the dangerous task of removing mines from minefields laid in the water to prevent ships from passing.

"Portent" was a U.S. Navy metal-hulled minesweeper, and was named after the word “portent,” something that foreshadows a coming event. In this case, it was an appropriate name since the "Portent" struck a mine and was sunk not long after her commissioning. Portent, a minesweeper, was laid down 15 November 1941 by the Pennsylvania Shipyard, Inc., Beaumont, Texas; launched 16 August 1942; sponsored by Mrs. Arthur L. Kline, Jr.; and commissioned 3 April 1943, Lt. Howard C. Plummer in command.

North Atlantic World War II operations

"Portent" sailed via Algiers, Louisiana, and Key West, Florida, to New York City to join a convoy to Casablanca and various North African ports 14 May 1943. From May to November she escorted convoys between New York City and Casablanca, Morocco. Assigned to a convoy entering the Mediterranean, she anchored outside Oran, Algeria, 22 November.

Sunk off the Italian coast

Deployed to Italy, she arrived at Naples 19 December. Assigned to the invasion of Anzio, Italy, "Portent" struck a mine while patrolling near the Italian coast, and sank 22 January 1944. Nearby ships rescued survivors.

Awards

"Portent" received one battle star for World War II service.

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships
* Auk class minesweeper
* World War II
* Minesweeper (ship)
* Minesweeping

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/#Anchor-Editoria-14954 Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships]
* [http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/ships/AM/AM-106_Portent.html Ships of the U.S. Navy, 1940-1945 AM-106 USS Portent]
* [http://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/5220.html uboat.net - Allied Warships - Minesweeper USS Portent of the Auk class]
* [http://www.navsource.org/Naval/1944.htm U.S. Naval Chronology Of W.W.II, 1944]
* [http://www.usspennsylvania.com/NavalLosses.htm Naval Losses WWII]