USS Method (AM-264)

USS "Method" (AM-264) 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 and then was transferred to the Pacific Ocean in order to lend the vessel to the Soviet Union under terms of the Lend Lease Act.

Method was laid down 7 June 1943 by the American Ship Building Company, Lorain, Ohio; launched 23 October 1943, sponsored by Mrs. K. C. Thorton; and commissioned 10 July 1944, Lt. M. A. Cartwright in command.

World War II Atlantic operations

"Method" departed Lorain, Ohio, 12 July, and steamed via the St. Lawrence River to Little Creek, Virginia. Arriving there 19 August she underwent shakedown training and on 27 September headed north to Casco Bay, Maine, for abbreviated antisubmarine warfare training. Thence, as a unit of MinDiv 37, she turned her bow south and on 5 October arrived at Port Royal Bay, Bermuda. She remained at that western terminus of the southern convoy route until 8 November when she got underway for Norfolk, Virginia. There, for a month and a half, she conducted patrols and minesweeping operations and towed targets.

Transfer to the Pacific Fleet

At the end of December "Method" reported for duty with Task Force TF 29, joining MinDiv 31. On 15 January 1945 she cleared Hampton Roads as escort to a gasoline tanker bound for Navassa Island. Detached from that duty on the 20th, she continued on to Panama, transited the Panama Canal on the 24th and arrived at San Diego, California, 2 February to report for duty with the Western Sea Frontier. In mid-month she steamed north to Washington where she operated with the Strait of Juan de Fuca Defense Unit before continuing on, 26 March, to her ultimate destination, Cold Bay, Alaska. Arriving 4 April, she trained naval personnel of the USSR in preparation for the transfer of the ship to that country under the terms of the lend-lease agreement.

Transfer to the Soviet Navy

On 20 May 1945, with the lowering of the American flag, "Method" decommissioned and was recommissioned as a ship of the Soviet Navy, identified as "T-274". On 7 February 1955 she was redesignated in the Naval Register as MSF-264. As of 1969, "Method" had neither been returned nor purchased by the USSR. 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/m10/method.htm Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships: "Method" ]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/02264.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - "Method" (MSF 264) - ex-AM-264]