USS Implicit (AM-246)

USS "Implicit" (AM-246) 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 North Atlantic Ocean and then in the Pacific Ocean. She finished the war with two battle stars to her credit.

"Implicit" was launched by Savannah Machine & Foundry Co., Savannah, Georgia, 6 September 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Helen P. Page, and commissioned 20 January 1944, Lt. Comdr. H. V. Brown in command.

World War II North Atlantic operations

Following her shakedown training in Chesapeake and Casco Bays, "Implicit" sailed from Norfolk, Virginia, 21 April 1944 on convoy duty to Bermuda. She steamed between Norfolk and Caribbean ports on escort duty until returning to Hampton Roads 16 June. The ship then prepared for her part in the invasion of southern France, sailing 24 July 1944 with transports bound for Oran, Algeria. She arrived off southern France 20 August, 5 days after the initial landings, and began a daily schedule of minesweeping and patrolling. She disposed of many floating mines, and exchanged fire with a shore battery 6 September and 10 September. "Implicit" sailed from San Rafael for Bizerte 23 October where she conducted minesweeping exercises.

The ship sailed from Palermo 18 January 1945 and after stopping at Athens and Istanbul arrived Yalta 31 January 1945 to be on hand at the historic Yalta Conference of Allied heads of state. After the conference she retraced her steps, arriving Palermo 21 February. After antisubmarine exercises, "Implicit" sailed in convoy for the United States, arriving Norfolk 5 May 1945.

Transfer to the Pacific Fleet

With the war in Europe over, she prepared for Pacific service, and sailed 5 July 1945 via the Panama Canal for San Diego, California. There the ship conducted minesweeping and countermeasures exercises in California waters before arriving Pearl Harbor 20 August, 5 days after the surrender of Japan.

The end of the war brought rigorous duty for fleet minesweepers, and "Implicit" sailed 3 September for Eniwetok, Saipan, Okinawa, and other Pacific Islands to take up minefields. She also performed this vital dangerous duty in Sasebo harbor and in the South China Sea, as well as in Formosa Strait. The ship sailed from Eniwetok 18 February 1946, and arrived San Pedro, California, via the Hawaiian Islands 18 March. She remained there until 20 July, when the veteran ship got underway for transfer to China.

Decommissioning

Steaming via Eniwetok and the Philippines, she arrived Subic Bay 30 October 1946 and decommissioned 16 November 1946. After much delay she was eventually turned over to the Nationalist Chinese Navy 15 June 1948 where she served as Yung Chia (MSF-47). She decommissioned in August 1970 and was struck from the Navy Register. Fate unknown.

Awards

"Implicit" received two battle stars for World War II service.

References

*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/i1/implicit-i.htm

External links

* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/02246.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - "Implicit" (AM-246)]