USS Diploma (AM-221)

USS "Diploma" (AM-221) was an Admirable-class minesweeper 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. Post-war, she returned home proudly to the States with three battle stars to her credit.

She was launched 21 May 1944 by Tampa Shipbuilding Co., Inc., Tampa, Florida; sponsored by Mrs. F. J. Erwin, Jr.; and commissioned 15 July 1944, Lieutenant A. B. Baxter, USNR, in command.

World War II Pacific Ocean operations

"Diploma" arrived at Pearl Harbor 12 January 1945 with the disabled U.S. Army freighter FS-318 in tow. The next day she sailed on convoy escort duty to Guam and Eniwetok, returning to Pearl Harbor 17 February. "Diploma" was underway from Pearl Harbor 23 February for Ulithi where she conducted minesweeping exercises in preparation for the invasion of Okinawa. On 19 March she got underway for Okinawa to engage in pre-invasion minesweeping from 24 March until 1 April and then patrolled during the initial landings. From 17 April to 15 May she was in Ulithi for repairs. After escorting convoys to Guam and Saipan, "Diploma" returned to Okinawa the last day of May to resume patrolling. From 4 July to 31 July she swept mines in support of the final U.S. 3rd Fleet raids on the Japanese mainland.

End-of-War Wrap-Up operations

After the cessation of hostilities she continued sweeping in the East China Sea-Ryukyus area and in the Tsugaru Straits into Ominato Naval Base at the northern tip of Honshū.

Awards

"Diploma" received three battle stars for World War II service.

Post-War Decommissioning

On 20 November "Diploma" sailed for the west coast, arriving at San Diego, California, 20 December. She was underway on 5 January 1946 for Mobile, Alabama, and after visits there and at New Orleans, Louisiana, arrived at Orange, Texas, 12 May. "Diploma" was placed out of commission in reserve there 3 September 1946. She was reclassified MSF-221, 7 February 1955. Transferred to Mexico as DM-17, later renamed "Cadete Francisco Marquez" (C-59)

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