USS Quail (AM-377)

USS "Quail" (AM-377/MSF-377) 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.

"Quail" was named after the “quail,” a migratory game bird.

It was the second ship in the U.S. Navy to be named USS "Quail", and was laid down by the Savannah Machine and Foundry Co., Savannah, Georgia, 12 April 1944; launched 20 August 1944; sponsored by Miss Vivian Rahn; and commissioned 5 March 1945.

Pacific Ocean operations

After fitting out and shakedown, "Quail" got underway 10 May for Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to conduct antisubmarine exercises. She then transited the Panama Canal to arrive in San Diego, California. She departed for the Pacific Ocean theater of operation 4 June, arriving Saipan 28 August, where she was assigned to the Marianas Group. "Quail" sailed for Okinawa, arriving 19 September, and then for Wakayama Wan, south coast of Honshū, Japan. She conducted minesweeping operations in the Pacific Ocean until 4 April 1946, when she reported for inactivation at San Diego, California.

Decommissioning

Decommissioned, "Quail" later returned to active duty with the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Redesignated MSF-377, 7 February 1955, she was placed out of commission, in reserve, and berthed at Green Cove Springs, Florida, 12 August 1955. She was struck from the Naval Vessel Register 1 December 1966, and was disposed of by scrapping.

Awards

"Quail" received one battle star 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://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/ships/AM/AM-377_Quail.html Ships of the U.S. Navy, 1940-1945 AM-377 USS Quail]
* [http://www.hullnumber.com/commands1.php?ct=MN&st=AM&hn=377&n1=USS&n2=Quail&n3=&n4=&n5= USS Quail (AM-377) Personnel Roster]
* [http://www.uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/5388.html USS Quail (AM 377)]