USS Hawk (AMS-17)

USS "Hawk" (MSC(O)-17/AMS-17/YMS-362) was a YMSsub|135 built for the United States Navy during World War II.

"Hawk" was laid down as "YMS-362" on 24 November 1942 by Robert Jacob Inc. of City Island, New York, launched, 22 May 1943, sponsored by Miss Marilyn Miller. The ship was completed on 30 September 1943, and commissioned on 4 October 1943 with Lt. J. W. Starbuck, Jr., in command.

"YMS-362" spent its first year of commissioned life in training on the eastern coast of the United States.

She departed Norfolk, Virginia, and the Atlantic Fleet 19 October 1944, and arrived at Pearl Harbor 25 November for war duty. She swept mines in support of the invasion of Iwo Jima 17 February 1945, destroying two enemy machine gun emplacements ashore as the invasion began.

"YMS-362" was present in Tokyo Bay at the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender on 2 September 1945. [cite web | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq69-2.htm | title = Allied Ships Present in Tokyo Bay During the Surrender Ceremony, 2 September 1945 | publisher = United States Navy | date = 2004-12-14 | accessdate = 2007-12-27 ]

Her minesweeping patrols continued around the Japanese home islands until 28 December, when "YMS-362" began passage for her return to Charleston, South Carolina, arriving in late May 1946.

After overhaul and refitting, she took up duties with the Atlantic Fleet as a unit attached to the U.S. Naval Mine-craft Base at Charleston, South Carolina. During a second refitting, on 17 February 1947 "YMS-362" was renamed and redesignated "Hawk" (AMS-17). Reclassified a second time as MSC(O)-17 on 7 February 1955, "Hawk" continued her service as a minesweeping training ship.

"Hawk" was struck from the Naval Vessel Register 17 October 1957 and sold. Her ultimate fate is unknown.

Awards and honors

"Hawk" received four battle stars for her service in World War II.

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