USS Mastic (AN-46)

USS "Mastic" (AN-46/YN-65) was an "Ailanthus"-class net laying ship which served with the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific Ocean theatre of operations during World War II. Her career was without major incident, and she returned home safely after the war.

Constructed in Everett, Washington

"Mastic" (AN 46), originally named "Ginkgo" (YN 65), was renamed "Mastic" 17 April 1943; laid down as "YN-65" by Everett Pacific Shipbuilding & Drydock Company, Everett, Washington, 27 November 1943; reclassified "AN-46" on 20 January 1944; launched 19 May 1944; sponsored by Mrs. F. A. Fenger; and commissioned at Everett 4 July 1944, Lt. David Weinig in command.

World War II service

After shakedown along the U.S. West Coast, "Mastic" steamed via Pearl Harbor to the western Pacific for duty with Commander Minecraft, Pacific Fleet. Beginning late in the year she carried out net laying and tending duties at American bases in the Mariana Islands and the western Caroline Islands.

During the later months of fighting in the Pacific she operated primarily out of Ulithi, but in addition served at Guam, Saipan, and Peleliu.

Following the Japanese capitulation 15 August, she continued servicing harbor defense installations until 26 October when she sailed from Saipan for the west coast. Steaming via Midway Islands and Pearl Harbor, she reached San Francisco, California, 25 November.

Post-war decommissioning

"Mastic" decommissioned at Tiburon, California, 1 March 1946, and her name was struck from the Navy list 28 March. She was transferred to the U.S. Maritime Commission 6 June 1947 for simultaneous delivery to her purchaser, William Semar.

ee also

* United States Navy
* World War II

References

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* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/18/18046.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - YN-65 Ginkgo / Mastic - AN-46 Mastic]