USS Impeccable (AM-320)

USS "Impeccable" (AM-320) 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.

Constructed in California

"Impeccable" (Am-320), ex BAM-7, was launched by General Engineering and Dry Dock Co., Alameda, California, 21 May 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Agnes W. Hanson; and commissioned 24 April 1944, Lt. Comdr. Bryan H. Smith in command.

World War II service

Patrol and escort duty

The new minesweeper conducted shakedown training off the California coast before sailing 3 July 1944 on Pacific escort duty. Until November she steamed between Pearl Harbor and the advance base at Eniwetok, and during the last two months of 1944 operated on this vital duty in the Palaus. After patrol and escort duty out of Ulithi in early 1945, "Impeccable" departed 19 March 1945 to take part in the largest of the great Pacific amphibious assaults, Okinawa.

Under air attack at Okinawa

Arriving off the island 24 March in advance of the landing group, the minesweeper began her critical job of sweeping the approach and transport areas. She underwent air attack 28 March and with the main assault 1 April moved to screening duties. As the Japanese hurled wave after wave of suicide planes at the invasion fleet in a desperate attempt to stop the capture of Okinawa, the crew of the "Impeccable" frequently manned their guns for long periods.

She underwent air attack at Kerama Retto 6 April, and in the long days that followed patrolled both off the Hagushi beaches and on picket station. On 20 May she went alongside to give assistance to USS "Chase", damaged by a kamikaze attack. She also performed rescue duties when other screening and escort ships were damaged by enemy air action. Despite the heavy raids, Okinawa was won, and "Impeccable" sailed 1 July for Guam.

End-of-war operations

The veteran minesweeper returned to Okinawa with a resupply convoy from Guam and sailed again 16 August, the day after the Japanese agreement to Armistice. Despite the end of hostilities, much necessary and dangerous work remained for units of the fleet. "Impeccable" returned to Okinawa 21 August; then in September and November swept the approaches to Wakayama, Japan, in support of occupation operations.

"Impeccable" departed Sasebo 20 November, sailing via Pearl Harbor to San Francisco, California, where she arrived 15 December 1945. She remained there until decommissioning at Terminal Island, California 27 March 1947.

Korean War service

"Impeccable" was recommissioned 12 March 1952 to strengthen American fleet units in Korea, and after shakedown sailed 3 September for Sasebo. She moved immediately to the Wonsan area to strengthen the naval siege and keep the harbor clear of mines. The ship also took part in the amphibious feint at Kojo 12 to 14 October, exchanging fire with shore batteries in the area.

During the months that followed "Impeccable" remained on the eastern coast, aiding the naval blockade and helping to maintain our position on the offshore islands. She drove a sampan ashore off Hungnam 17 November 1952, and fought with Wonsan batteries 20 February 1953 while covering a minesweeping operation.

Post-Korean War service

Her tour in the stalemated Korean conflict ended, the "Impeccable" arrived Pearl Harbor 31 March and her home-port, Long Beach, California, 10 April 1953. For the rest of the year the ship operated on training and readiness exercises off Mexico and the Panama Canal Zone. "Impeccable" remained on minesweeping and fleet maneuvers through the first half of 1955. "Impeccable" was reclassified MSF-320 on 7 February 1955.

Final decommissioning

"Impeccable" arrived Astoria, Oregon 16 August 1955; decommissioned 14 October; and entered the Pacific Reserve Fleet at Bremerton, Washington, where she remained until she was struck from the Navy list 1 July 1972 and sold for scrap 1 April 1974.

Awards and honors

"Impeccable" received three battle stars for World War II service and two for Korean War service.

References

*
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/02320.htm Impeccable (MSF 320)]

See also

* U.S. Navy
* Minesweeper (ship)
* World War II
* Korean War

External links

*
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-i/am320.htm USS Impeccable (AM-320, later MSF-320), 1944-1974]
* [http://www.multied.com/navy/Minelayer/impeccable.html Impeccable AM-320]
* [http://www.mine-sweepers.com/ Welcome to Minesweeping Ships Unofficial Web Site]
* [http://uboat.net/allies/warships/class.html?ID=226 uboat.net - Allied Warships - Auk class Minesweepers]