USS Motive (AM-102)

USS "Motive" (AM-102) 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.

"Motive" was named after the word “motive,” which is defined as any idea, desire, need, or emotion that prompts a person to act. "Motive" was laid down 14 April 1942 by the General Engineering & Dry Dock Co., Alameda, California; launched 17 August 1942; and commissioned 17 April 1943, Lt. Comdr. Joseph G. Enzensperger, Jr., USNR, in command.

World War II North Pacific operations

After shakedown, "Motive" got underway from San Francisco, California, 5 June 1943 and arrived Dutch Harbor, Unalaska Island, 14 June. She made one round trip back to Alameda, California as a convoy escort from 26 June to 14 August "Motive" then operated continuously in the Aleutian Islands for the next 4 months as convoy escort and antisubmarine patrol. On 13 October, while anchored in Massacre Bay, Attu Island, "Motive" was attacked by about 10 Japanese planes making a fast high level attack. She received six near misses from 100 pound bombs but no damage, and drove the enemy planes off with gunfire.

World War II South Pacific operations

"Motive" sailed for Pearl Harbor 1 December, and on 22 January 1944 sailed for Kwajalein, where she conducted minesweeping and antisubmarine operations until 14 February, when she departed for Pearl Harbor and repairs in California. Returning to Pearl Harbor 22 May, she joined TF 52 for the capture of Saipan, whose assault began 15 June. "Motive", in TG 52.9, the demonstration group, participated in the dawn feint on the beaches north of Tanapag town, while the actual landings were taking place at Charan Kanoa. On patrol as antisubmarine and screening vessel, "Motive" fired on Japanese aircraft 16, 17, and 18 June, and was strafed by a Zero 17 June, receiving a number of hits which were quickly repaired. "Motive" left Saipan for Eniwetok 24 June, returning 9 July. She then conducted sweeping operations off the east coast of Saipan and undertook antisubmarine patrols. From 24 July until November "Motive" served as a convoy escort, antisubmarine patrol and screening ship, operating out of Saipan, Eniwetok, Guam, and Ulithi. While at Ulithi with a convoy on 20 November, "Motive" observed the torpedoing of Mississinewa, (AO-59) which broke into flame. The convoy got underway for Guam without further incident. For the next 5 months "Motive" served on convoy escort antisubmarine, and screening patrols and hydrographic surveys out of Peleliu, Palaus; Guam; Eniwetok; Saipan; and Iwo Jima.

West Coast overhaul

On 25 April 1945 "Motive" headed back for the west coast, touching at Pearl Harbor and San Francisco, California, before arriving 24 May at Seattle, Washington, for overhaul.

Post-World War II operations

As the war in the Pacific ended, "Motive" left Seattle, Washington, 4 September for Sasebo, Japan, arriving 20 October. From 28 October to 25 November she swept for mines in the East China Sea, locating and destroying a total of 31. On 28 November "Motive" moored in Keelung Harbor, Kurun, Taiwan, and on 7 December went into drydock at Shanghai. She returned to Sasebo 21 December.

Decommissioning

"Motive" departed Sasebo, Japan, on 1 January 1946 for the U.S. West Coast, and was decommissioned and placed in reserve at San Diego, California, 15 June 1946. Redesignated MSF-102 on 7 February 1955, "Motive" was struck from the Naval Register 1 December 1966. She was destroyed as a target by the Pacific Fleet.

Awards

"Motive" received three battle stars for World War II service.

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships
* Auk class minesweeper
* World War II
* Minesweeper (ship)
* Minesweeping

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/#Anchor-Editoria-14954 Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships]
* [http://ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/ships/AM/AM-102_Motive.html Ships of the U.S. Navy, 1940-1945 AM-102 USS Motive]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/02102.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive Motive (MSF 102) ex-AM-102]
* [http://nmsoa.org/tsd.htm The Silent Defenders]
* [http://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/5216.html USS Motive (AM 102)]