USS Invade (AM-254)

USS "Invade" (AM-254) 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.

"Invade" was laid down 19 January 1944 by Savannah Machine & Foundry Co., Savannah, Georgia; launched 6 February 1944; sponsored by Miss Thayer C. Allen; and commissioned 18 September 1944, Lt. H. H. Silliman in command.

World War II North Atlantic operations

After shakedown in Chesapeake Bay, "Invade" steamed to Casco Bay, Maine, for training 24 November 1944. Following these operations and additional drills out of Norfolk, Virginia, the minecraft assumed duties there as towing ship for aircraft targets and as an experimental minesweeper. She remained on this important duty through the end of the war and reported 21 September 1945 to the Mine Warfare School at Yorktown, Virginia, as a training ship.

Decommissioning

"Invade" decommissioned 7 August 1946 and joined the Atlantic Reserve Fleet at Orange, Texas. She was reclassified MSF-254 on 7 February 1955, struck from the Navy List 1 May 1962, and sold to Mexico as "DM-18" 30 August 1962. Later renamed "General Ignacio Zaragosa" (C-60). Her current 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/invade.htm Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships: "Invade"]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/02254.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - "Invade" (MSF 254) - ex-AM-254]