USS Marvel (AM-262)

USS "Marvel" (AM-262) 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 Atlantic Ocean before being transferred to the Soviets, under lend-lease, in the North Pacific Ocean.

"Marvel" was laid down 4 April 1943 by American Shipbuilding Co., Lorain, Ohio; launched 31 July 1943; sponsored by Miss Naomi Gordan; and commissioned 9 June 1944, Lt. Vincent de P. Hurley, USNR, in command.

World War II Atlantic operations

Completing brief shakedown at Little Creek, Virginia, "Marvel" got underway 19 August 1944 for Naval Operating Base, Bermuda. Into mid-Fall she operated from St. George's Bay, sweeping for mines and conducting antisubmarine patrols to insure safe passage into the eastern terminus of the southern convoy route. She returned to Virginia, 9 November, and for the next two months conducted similar patrols in the Hampton Roads area.

Transfer to the Pacific Fleet

On 17 January 1945 she weighed anchor and began a 2½ month cruise to Kodiak, Alaska. Steaming via Coco Solo, San Diego, California, and Seattle, Washington, she arrived 31 March. Two days later she sailed for the Shumagin Islands, arriving at Baralof Bay, 3 April. There she conducted local exercises until 20 May.

Transfer to the Soviet Navy

She decommissioned and was transferred as "T-272", under the terms of the Lend-Lease Agreement of 11 June 1942, to the custody of the Navy of the USSR. On 7 February 1955 she was redesignated in the Navy Register as MSF-262. She has neither been returned nor purchased by the USSR. Her fate is unknown.

See also

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

References

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/m5/marvel.htm Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships: "Marvel"]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/02262.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - "Marvel" (MSF 262) - ex-AM-262]