- USS Lapwing (AMS-48)
USS "Lapwing" (MSC(O)-48/AMS-48/YMS-268) was a YMSsub|135 built for the
United States Navy duringWorld War II . She was named after the lapwing ("Vanellus vanellus").History
"YMS-268" was laid down
1 December 1942 by Kruse & Banks Shipbuilding Co.,North Bend, Oregon ; launched15 April 1943 ; sponsored by Mrs. J. H. Granger; and commissioned31 July 1943 . After shakedown along the west coast, "YMS-268" trained minesweeper crews out ofSan Pedro, California , throughout the most of the war, contributing to the war effort by increasing the efficiency of Americanminesweeping operations throughout the world. Following 2 years of training operations, the minesweeper arrivedPearl Harbor 26 May 1945 for deployment to the western Pacific. Assigned to theU.S. 7th Fleet , "YMS-268" operated out ofGuam , thePhilippines , andOkinawa from July to August. Following thesurrender of Japan , she removed mines fromTokyo Bay and around the Island ofHonshū . DepartingKobe 9 March 1946 , the veteran ship reachedSan Francisco, California 24 April . After 1 month on the west coast, "YMS-268" steamed to theGreat Lakes via theSt. Lawrence River . Upon arriving at Chicago on25 July , she was assigned to the9th Naval District Reserve Training program. "YMS-268" decommissioned and was placed in service1 November 1946 . Reclassified AMS-48 and named "Lapwing"1 September 1947 , she continued operations in the Reserve Training program. "Lapwing" recommissioned12 February 1951 atOrange, Texas , Lt. Charles M. Kirkham in command. ArrivingCharleston, South Carolina ,19 March , the minesweeper engaged in operations along theU.S. East Coast , developing new techniques in mine warfare until 1957. During this period she was reclassified MSC(O)-48 on7 February 1955 ."Lapwing" decommissioned
15 November 1957 atNew York and entered theAtlantic Reserve Fleet . She was struck from theNaval Vessel Register 1 November 1959 .The veteran minesweeper was sold to Standard Products Co., Inc. of
Kilmarnock, Virginia , who converted her to amenhaden fishing boat and renamed her "Weems". In the early 1990s, the ship was sold to an Ohio religious group for planned usage as anOutward Bound -type training ship, but her ultimate fate is unknown.Awards and honors
"YMS-268" received one
battle star forWorld War II service.References
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External links
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* [http://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/9688.html uboat.net - Allied Warships - Minesweeper USS YMS-268 of the YMS class]
* [http://www.hazegray.org/danfs/mine/ DANFS Online: Mine Warfare Vessels]
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