USS Intrigue (AM-253)

USS "Intrigue" (AM-253) 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.

"Intrigue" was laid down 17 December 1943 by Savannah Machine & Foundry Co., Savannah, Georgia; launched 8 April 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Henry R. Keller; and commissioned 31 July 1944, Lt. P. Ft. McLaughlin in command.

World War II North Atlantic operations

Following exhaustive shakedown in Chesapeake Bay, "Intrigue" departed Norfolk, Virginia, 28 September 1944 for coastal convoy duty. She sailed with cargo ships from American ports to the Panama Canal Zone and as far north as Argentia, Newfoundland, before returning to Norfolk 5 December 1944. In January 1945 she served as a target-towing vessel off the coast, and in June "Intrigue" sailed to Miami, Florida, to train student officers on the Florida coast. She arrived 23 September at Yorktown, Virginia, to act as training ship at the Mine Warfare School,

Decommissioning

"Intrigue" was decommissioned 31 May 1946. "Intrigue" subsequently joined the Atlantic Reserve Fleet at Orange, Texas, and reclassified MSF-253 on 7 February 1955. She was struck from the Navy List 1 May 1962 and sold to the Mexican Navy 1 October 1962 and served as DM-19 (E-9). Her ultimate fate is unknown.

References

ee also

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

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/i2/intrigue.htm Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships: "Intrigue"]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/02253.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - "Intrigue" (MSF 253) - ex-AM-253]