USS Quest (AM-281)

USS Quest (AM-281) 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 Pacific Ocean. Post-war, her crew returned proudly to the States with two battle stars to their credit.

"Quest" was laid down 24 November 1943 by Gulf Shipbuilding Co., Chickasaw, Alabama; launched 16 March 1944; sponsored by Mrs. O. R. Johnson, and commissioned 25 October 1944, Lt. J. T. Riley, Jr., USNR in command.

World War II Pacific Ocean operations

After fitting out, training, and shakedown exercises, "Quest" sailed for Portland, Maine, 21 December to report for duty with task group CTG 23.9. Upon arriving at Portland, the minesweeper participated in antisubmarine exercises until departing for Norfolk, Virginia, 29 December. Arriving 31 December, she remained there until 4 January 1945, when she departed for the Panama Canal Zone en route to the Pacific Fleet. During her voyage to the Panama Canal Zone, she served as convoy escort to the USS|Coronis|ARL-10 and USS|Kaweah|AO-15.

Arriving at San Diego, California, 24 January, "Quest" conducted exercises along the U.S. West Coast until 1 March, when she became the school ship at the Naval Small Craft Training Center, San Pedro, California. Relieved of this duty 24 March, she sailed for San Diego to take up target towing duties until late April, when she returned to San Pedro to once again resume her training ship duties. Detached from this duty 20 August, she sailed for Pearl Harbor, arriving 28 August.

Departing Pearl Harbor 3 September, as part of task unit TU 10.15.16, she sailed for Eniwetok Atoll. She then sailed to Okinawa, via Saipan, arriving 3 October. "Quest" participated in minesweeping operations in and around Okinawa and Southern Japan until 5 November when she sailed for the East China Sea in company with USS|Harry F. Bauer|DM-26, USS|Garland|AM-238 and USS|Notable|AM-267.

After clearing minefields in the area, the sturdy minecraft returned to Sasebo, Japan arriving in late November. "Quest" participated in minesweeping operations in Japan until 20 February 1946, when she began a voyage to Eniwetok Atoll, acting as escort for YMS-431 and YMS-439. Arriving at Eniwetok 12 March, "Quest" served as a logistics support vessel for the two YMSs as they swept mines around Eniwetok in preparation for nuclear testing under Operation Crossroads. On 23 March "Quest", in company with YMS-57 sailed for Subic Bay arriving 11 April. She remained there until 2 May, at which time she was decommissioned.

Deactivation

Struck from the U.S. Naval Vessel Register 29 September 1947, "Quest" was not yet through with her naval service, for on 2 July 1948, she was transferred to the Philippines. Converted to the Presidential yacht she was designated APO-21 and commissioned later that year. She was renamed "Pagasa", and has served under the names "Santa Maria" and "Mount Samat" into 1970.

Awards

"Quest" received two battle stars for World War II service.

References

See also

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

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/#Anchor-Editoria-14954 Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/02281.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - "Quest" (AM 281)]