USS Magnet (YDG-9)

The USS "Magnet" (ADG-9) was a degaussing vessel of the United States Navy, named after the magnet, an object that has a magnetic field (the third U.S. Naval vessel to bear the name). Originally planned as a patrol craft escort (PCE-879), she was laid down on 27 May 1943 by the Albina Engine & Machine Works of Portland, Oregon; launched 30 September 1943; reclassified YDG-9 23 December 1943; and commissioned 10 July 1944. Following shakedown and training out of San Pedro, California, YDG-9 continued operations on the west coast, first for the 11th Naval District and then as a unit of ServRon 8. Later assigned to SevRon 6 to service, in close proximity, the striking forces as they moved closer to Japan, she established and operated degaussing ranges and provided facilities for inspection, calibration, and adjustment of shipboard degaussing equipment in forward areas, primarily for minesweepers. After the War ended, she operated with mine groups at Okinawa and, after 29 January 1946 at Sasebo, Japan as those groups cleared the waters to allow safe passage to both military and merchant shipping. Returning to the United States later in the year, she decommissioned 11 December 1946 at San Diego, California where she remained berthed, into 1969, as a unit of the Pacific Reserve Fleet. After entering the Reserve Fleet, YDG-9 was reclassified ADG-9 1 November 1947 and named "Magnet" on 1 February 1955. Struck from the Naval Register on 21 February 1975, "Magnet" was sunk as a target on 4 March 1976 off the California coast at 031° 16' N., 117° 40' W. at a depth of 1,050 fathoms.

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