USS Palisade (AM-270)

USS "Palisade" (AM-270) 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 North Pacific Ocean where she trained a Russian crew and then "loaned" the ship to the Soviet Union under terms of the Lend Lease Act.

"Palisade" was laid down by the Gulf Shipbuilding Corp., Chickasaw, Alabama, on 21 September 1942. She was launched 26 June 1943, sponsored by Mrs. W. C. Ellis, and commissioned 9 March 1944 with Lt. Comdr. W. H. Rothwell in command.

World War II Atlantic operations

Following shakedown, "Palisade" conducted sweeping operations in Argentia, Newfoundland as part of MineRon 33 then was fitted out as a temporary weather ship. She patrolled in the North Atlantic in this capacity for the remainder of the year with occasional calls at east coast ports in the United States. In January, 1945 she was refitted with minesweeping equipment and after overhaul in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and deployed to the Panama Canal Zone on 27 February

Transfer to the Pacific Fleet

Transiting the Panama Canal 8 March she proceeded to Seattle, Washington, where she prepared for transfer under Lend-Lease to the Soviet Navy. "Palisade" sailed for Kodiak, Alaska, 7 April then proceeded to Cold Bay, Alaska. The first weeks of May were spent in familiarization exercises for the benefit of the new crew.

Transferred to the Soviet Union

"Palisade" decommissioned 21 May and was transferred to the Soviet Union. "Palisade" was named "T-279" in the Soviet Navy. She is reported to have been sunk off Kham Island, Korea, 14/15 August 1945 by mines previously laid by U.S. aircraft.

References

See also

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

External links

*cite web | accessdate= 2008-02-18
url= http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/p1/palisade.htm
title= "Palisade"
work= DANFS
publisher= U.S. Naval Historical Center
*cite web | accessdate= 2008-02-18
url= http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/02270.htm
title= "Palisade"
work= Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive | publisher= NavSource Online