USS Lucid (MSO-458)

USS "Lucid" (AM-458/MSO-458) was an "Aggressive"-class minesweeper acquired by the U.S. Navy for the task of removing mines that had been placed in the water to prevent the safe passage of ships.

The second warship to be named "Lucid" by the Navy, "AM-458" was laid down by Higgins Inc. Shipyard, New Orleans, Louisiana, 16 March 1953; launched 14 November 1953; sponsored by Mrs. Mary J. Barrow; reclassified "MSO-458" on 7 February 1955; and commissioned 4 May 1955, Lt. J. H. Graham in command.

First WestPac tour of duty

After shakedown in the Caribbean, "Lucid" sailed for the Pacific Ocean, arriving Long Beach, California, 22 August. For the next 13 months, she performed minewarfare exercises on the U.S. West Coast, then sailed on her first western Pacific tour 1 October 1958.

Four additional Far East tours

During the period 1956 to 5 November 1963, "Lucid" sailed on four WestPac cruises and while there performed operations with the mighty U.S. 7th Fleet. This bastion of strength in the Far East served notice to the Communists that America would not tolerate threats to the peace and stability of the free countries of Asia. In addition to exercises with the 7th Fleet, the minesweeper participated in good will programs in the countries she visited. The time between WestPac cruises was spent in mine countermeasure exercises off the southern California coast

Supporting Market Time operations

Throughout 1964 Lucid continued training exercises off the U.S. West Coast, then departed Long Beach 5 April 1965 on her fifth WestPac cruise. Arriving Subic Bay, Philippine Islands. 24 May, she prepared for Operation Market Time off the coast of Vietnam. From June to October the minesweeper continued patrol and surveillance of Vietnamese Junk traffic. She boarded a total of 186 Junks and steel-hulled ships, and contributed to a reduction of enemy infiltration of men and supplies by sea. "Lucid" returned to Long Beach 14 December and operated off the southern California coast until May 1966 when she commenced overhaul at Harbor Boat Building Co., San Pedro, California.

WestPac deployment after 1966 overhaul

In October 1966, having completed her overhaul, "Lucid" prepared for another WestPac deployment. She departed Long Beach on 6 January 1967. "Lucid" served once again with the Market Time forces, performing surveillance and search duties, as well as hunting mines in the harbors of South Vietnam On 16 October 1967, she departed Subic Bay, homeward bound after a long but rewarding deployment "Lucid" arrived at Long Beach on 18 November. Following a brief overhaul period, and refresher training, she sailed for WestPac 1 April. Along with patrol duty off the Vietnamese Coast and upkeep periods at Subic Bay and Singapore, "Lucid" conducted minesweeping exercises with Allied Navies Returning to Long Beach in mid-October, the minesweeper began a yard period where she remained into 1969.

Decommissioning

"Lucid" was struck from the Navy List on 15 May 1976 and sold for $40,250 for scrap in a Navy sale in November. The scrap yard removed valuable metals and equipment and resold her. After passing through numerous civilian owners, "Lucid" was acquired for use as a museum. She is currently being restored at Bradford Island, California.

In May, 2008, it was announced that Lucid was in need of a new home with better access. Access to Bradford Island is limited, with no direct highway access.

References

*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/l33/lucid-ii.htm

External links

* [http://www.usslucid.org USS Lucid MSO-458 Foundation]
* [http://www.keller.com/dan/lucid.html USS Lucid (MSO-458)]
* [http://www.hnsa.org/ships/lucid.htm HNSA Web Page: USS Lucid]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/02458.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - Lucid (MSO-458) - ex-AM-458]