USS Longspur (AMCU-28)

The USS "Longspur" (AMCU-28) was initially an sclass|LCI(L)-351|large landing craft / AMCU-7 Class Coastal Minesweeper (Underwater Locator): Laid down, 22 September 1944 by the New Jersey Shipbuilding Co., Barber, New Jersey; Launched, 20 October 1944; Commissioned USS LCI(L)-884, 27 October 1944; Decommissioned, 24 March 1947; Reclassified a Landing Ship, Infantry (Large), LSIL-844, 28 February 1949; Named "Longspur" and reclassified as a Coastal Minesweeper (Underwater Locator), AMCU-28, 7 March 1952; Conversion to AMCU-28 began, 15 November 1953 at the Charleston Naval Shipyard, Charleston, South Carolina; Conversion completed, 15 May 1954; Recommissioned in June 1952; Reclassified as a Coastal Minehunter, MHC-28, 7 February 1953.

After shakedown "LCI(L)-884" departed Norfolk, Virginia, 25 November, steamed through the Panama Canal. and arrived San Diego, California, 20 December. Following additional training off the west coast, the landing craft sailed 6 March 1945 for the Marianas, arriving Guam 8 April. Two weeks later she was en route to Okinawa, where U.S. Forces were already engaged in the most extensive campaign of the Pacific war.

Upon her arrival 28 April "LCI(L)-884" was assigned mail delivery and smoke station duty for large ships operating off Okinawa. She remained in the vicinity for the rest of the war, playing a part for the fleet in aiding it against the Japanese Empire.

After the war she operated as a mine destruction vessel out of Nagasaki and Sasebo, remaining in Japan until December. Early in 1946, "LCI(L)-884" returned to the United States and decommissioned 24 March 1947, joining the Atlantic Reserve Fleet at Green Cove Springs, Florida. She was reclassified "LSI(L)-884", 28 February 1949.

"LSI(L)-884" was named and redesignated "Longspur" (AMCU-28) 7 March 1952. Recommissioned in June 1952, "Longspur" was assigned to the 6th Naval District for harbor defense. Reclassified MHC-28 on 7 February 1953, she continued operations out of Charleston, South Carolina, until 1 January 1954.

Decommissioned the first of the year, she joined the Atlantic Reserve Fleet at Charleston, South Carolina. Struck 1 January 1960, "Longspur" was sold to Mills Marine Co., 18 May 1960 and was towed away for scrap 22 June 1960.

"LCl(L)-884" received one battle star for World War II service.

References

*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/l8/longspur-ii.htm

External links

* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/0428.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - Longspur (MHC 28) - ex-Longspur (AMCU 28) - ex-LSIL-884 - ex-LCI(L)-884]