USS Seize (ARS-26)

USS Seize (ARS-26) was an "Diver"-class rescue and salvage ship commissioned by the U.S. Navy during World War II. Her task was to come to the aid of stricken vessels.

"Seize" was laid down on 28 September 1943 by the Basalt Rock Co., Napa, California; launched on 8 April 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Louis Perkins; and commissioned at Vallejo, California, on 3 November 1944, Lt. Herman B. Conrad in command.

World War II service

Following repairs and shakedown, the salvage ship reported for duty on 11 May 1945 at San Francisco, California. On 2 June, "Seize" arrived off the entrance to Pearl Harbor with three pontoon bridges in tow. Reporting to Service Force Squadron 2 for duty, "Seize" spent a busy first month in repairs, carrying out radar-jamming experiments, patrolling, and towing. On 10 July, the salvage vessel got underway with "APL-43" in tow for the Marshall Islands, arriving at Eniwetok on the 22d. "Seize" departed Eniwetok on 4 August, with "PB-46" in tow and accompanied by "Avoyel" (ATF-150). She reached Guam on 13 August.

End-of-war activity

On 14 August, still towing "PB-46", "Seize" got underway in convoy for Okinawa Shima. Anchoring there on the 22d, she was relieved of "PB-46" the next day, and assisted in salvaging "Oberrender" (DE-344) from 27 August to 11 September.

China operations

"Seize" departed Okinawa on 17 September. Arriving by convoy at Shanghai two days later, the salvage ship assisted port activity there by searching for a lost anchor, and aiding "Waller" (DD-466) in switching berths. On 10 October, "Seize" departed Shanghai in company with "PC-491" for Pusan, Korea. After sinking two horned mines by gunfire en route, the ship reached Pusan on the 13th. Two similar mines were sunk while "Seize" returned to Shanghai on 16 October.

Firefight on the Yangtze

"Seize" worked along the Yangtze, removing obstacles, salvaging, towing, and searching, for the remainder of the year. On 22 October en route to Kichow, the salvage ship was fired upon by a machinegun near a small Yangtze village. She returned fire with 40 millimeter and .50 caliber rounds, and proceeded on her way one-half hour later when all had quieted down. One direct hit was received on her foremast and several ricocheted hits were found on the port side, but there was no other damage to the ship or crew.

Laying underwater cables off China

On 26 and 28 January 1946, "Seize" replanted the mooring buoy at the Naval Seaplane Area at Lunghwa. On 11, 18, and 20 February and on 4, 7, 21, and 29 March, "Seize" laid an underwater telephone cable from "San Clemente" (AG-79) to the Naval Operating Base, Shanghai. "Seize" departed Chinese waters on 31 March, anchoring at Yokosuka, Japan, on 4 April. The salvage ship picked up "APL-31" in tow on the 8th, and set course for the Hawaiian Islands, arriving at Pearl Harbor on the 26th.

Military awards and honors

"Seize’s" crew was eligible for the following medals:
* China Service Medal (extended)
* American Campaign Medal
* Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
* World War II Victory Medal

Transfer to the Coast Guard

"Seize" arrived at San Francisco, California, on 4 June. Decommissioned and transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard on 28 June 1946, she was struck from the Navy list on 13 November 1946.

"Seize" was transferred to US Coast Guard and commissioned "USCGC Yocona" (WAT-168), 28 June 1946, and was redesignated Medium Endurance Cutter (WMEC-168) in 1965.

Navy records do not indicate the operations of "Yocona". However, her Coast Guard crew was eligible for the following medals for their operations:
* Coast Guard Unit Commendation (2)
* Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation (5) (with Operational Distinguishing Device - 19 May 1994 to 30 May 1996)
* National Defense Service Medal (3)
* Humanitarian Service Medal (2)
* Coast Guard Special Operations Ribbon (2)

Coast Guard decommissioning

"Yocona" was decommissioned 30 May 1996 and returned to US Naval custody, for disposal. Final Disposition: scheduled to be disposed of as a target off Guam in 2006.

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships
* World War II

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/#Anchor-Editoria-14954 Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/37/3726.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - USS Seize (ARS-26) - USCGC Yocona (WAT-168 / WMEC-168)]