USS Snatch (ARS-27)

USS "Snatch" (ARS-27/T-AGOR-18) -- a ship later identified as RV "Argo" --was an "Diver"-class rescue and salvage ship commissioned by the U.S. Navy during World War II. Her task was to come to the aid of stricken vessels.

"Snatch" was laid down on 28 September 1943 by the Basalt Rock Co., Napa, California; launched on 8 April 1944; sponsored by Mrs. S. B. Johnson; and commissioned on 11 December 1944.

World War II service

"Snatch" conducted her shakedown cruise off San Diego, California, and returned to San Francisco, California.

Sailing through bad weather

She steamed from that port on 20 February 1945 for Manus, Admiralty Islands, towing "YF's" "622", "919", and "926". On 4 March, she ran into heavy seas which caused "919" and "926" to collide. "YF-926" was taking water and down by the bow. The seas were still rough three days later so the salvage ship changed course for Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii. "YF-926" sank on the 8th, the day before reaching port. Two days later, "Snatch" sailed to Pearl Harbor towing the remaining lighters.

South Pacific operations

"Snatch" steamed to Eniwetok, Marshall Islands, on 17 March. From 5 to 9 April, she participated in salvage operations of "SS Esso Washington" which was grounded near the entrance of Eniwetok Passage. On the 14th, the ship steamed for Guam with a dredge and two barges in tow. En route, she was diverted to Tinian, Mariana Islands, arriving on 23 April. On 15 May, she sailed for Leyte Gulf, Philippine Islands, calling at Ulithi to take "YF-606" and "YF-1001" in tow.

Philippine Islands operations

"Snatch" operated in the Philippine Islands from 26 May to 30 December 1945 when she sailed for San Diego, California. She operated from there until 23 December 1946 when she was placed in reserve, out of commission, and berthed there.

Transfer to MSTS

On 1 April 1967, she was assigned to the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) and reclassified Oceanographic Research Ship, "USNS Snatch" (T-AGOR-18), April 1967. Custody was assigned to Scripps Oceanographic Research Institute, La Jolla, California, who gave her the unofficial name of "R/V Argo".

She was returned to US Naval custody in March 1970 and struck from the Naval Register, 1 May 1970. Final Disposition: sold for scrapping, 8 November 1971, to S.S. Zee, Taiwan.

Final decommissioning

On 1 April 1967, her designation was changed to "AGOR-18". "Snatch" was struck from the Navy list on 1 May 1970 and sold to S. S. Zee of Taiwan on 8 November 1971 for scrap.

Military awards and honors

"Snatch’s" crew was eligible for the following medals:
* American Campaign Medal
* Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Service Medal
* World War II Victory Medal
* Philippines Liberation Medal

References

See also

* Acoustically Navigated Geological Underwater Survey (ANGUS)
* List of United States Navy ships
* World War II

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/#Anchor-Editoria-14954 Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/37/3727.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - ARS-27 / AGOR-18 Snatch - R/V Argo]