USS Caravan (AM-157)

USS "Caravan" (AM-157) was an built for the U.S. Navy during World War II. She was built to clear minefields in offshore waters, and served the Navy in the Pacific Ocean before being given to the Soviets under the lend-lease program.

She was launched 27 October 1942 by Willamette Iron and Steel Works, Portland, Oregon, and commissioned 21 January 1944, Lieutenant C. E. Walden, USNR, in command.

World War II Pacific Ocean operations

"Caravan" stood out of San Francisco, California, 25 March 1944, bound for Pearl Harbor, Majuro, and Eniwetok. The minesweeper arrived at Eniwetok on 25 April to operate on patrol, lifeguard for aviators downed in carrier strikes, and convoy escort. Her escort duties took her throughout the Marianas, and in September she was based at Guam. Riding out a severe typhoon en route, "Caravan" sailed to Ulithi in October, to begin operations in the Palaus as well as the Marianas.

Transfer to the Soviet Union

"Caravan's" effective support of fleet operations ended in May 1945, when she reported at Portland, Oregon for overhaul. In July she arrived at Cold Bay, Alaska, to train a Russian crew, and on 16 August 1945, she was decommissioned and transferred to the Soviet Union under lend-lease. On 7 February 1955 she was reclassified MSF-157. She remains in Russian hands where it is believed she was scrapped in 1956 by the Soviets.

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships
* Patrol boat
* Minelayer

External links

* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/02157.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - Caravan (MSF 157) - ex-AM-157 - ex-AMc-134]