USS Prime (AM-466)

USS "Prime" (AM-466/MSO-466), was an "Aggressive"-class minesweeper acquired by the U.S. Navy for the task of removing mines that had been placed in the water to prevent the safe passage of ships.

Prime was laid down 30 December 1952 by Wilmington Boat Works, Wilmington, California, launched 27 May 1954; sponsored by Mrs. Louis Ets-Hokin and commissioned 11 October 1954, Lt. William F. Longton in command.

Pacific Ocean operations

After Pacific shakedown, "Prime" was reclassified "MSO-466" on 7 February 1955. She completed major modification 3 October 1955, and deployed to WestPac 1 May 1956. Following regular overhaul and type training in 1957, she deployed to WestPac again 3 November 1958. In 1959 she enhanced her operational readiness through maneuvers with the South Korean Navy in January, and participation in an amphibious landing exercise off Kodiak, Alaska, in November.

Upon completion of overhaul and type training in 1960, she deployed to WestPac 4 January 1961 and upon return began another overhaul 20 November 1961. After training she deployed to WestPac again 16 November 1962. She returned to Long Beach, California, in June 1963, and completed overhaul 31 January 1964.

Vietnam War operations

Deployed to WestPac 15 January 1965, she patrolled the coast of South Vietnam intermittently from May to August 1965, boarding approximately four suspect vessels per week to prevent enemy infiltration and supply. In 1966 she deployed to WestPac 21 September, arriving off South Vietnam 11 November, and patrolling the coast until 31 December.

Deactivation

"Prime" was: Struck from the Naval Register 1 October 1976; Sold for scrapping 7 January 1977 by the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service to Edward Hixson, Los Alamitos, California, for $26,769.

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships
* World War II
* Patrol boat
* Minelayer
* minesweeper
* Minesweeping

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/#Anchor-Editoria-14954 Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/02466.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - Prime (MSO-466) - ex-AM-466]
* http://www.ussprime.org USS PRIME Website