USS Meadowlark (AMS-196)

USS "Meadowlark" (AMS-196) was a "Falcon"-class coastal minesweeper acquired by the U.S. Navy for clearing coastal minefields.

"Meadowlark" was laid down 18 May 1953 by Broward Marine Inc., Fort Lauderdale, Florida; launched August 1954; sponsored by Mrs. Thomas E. Sheridan; and commissioned 10 May 1955. Lt. J. P. Cromwell in command.

East Coast operations

"Meadowlark", a post-Korean War coastal minesweeper, conducted shakedown training out of Charleston, South Carolina. This remained her home port into fiscal 1969, except for a period commencing February 1956 when assigned to the Naval Mine Warfare School, Yorktown, Virginia. Since then she has conducted operations from Nova Scotia to the Panama Canal Zone and in January 1967 visited Curaçao, Netherlands West Indies. With Mine Squadron 42 she twice participated in joint exercises with the Canadian Navy the first time off Nova Scotia In July 1958 and again in June 1963 along the Florida coast.

Military awards and honors

An eager competitor in fleet exercises and battle problems, MSC-196 is recognized for her operational readiness. Since 1962 she has won five consecutive Battle Efficiency "E" awards and accumulated an equal number of awards for excellence in mine counter measures.

Decommissioning

"Meadowlark" was transferred to Indonesia in 1971 as "Pulau Alau" (M 717); struck from the Navy Register 1 May 1976; and, sold, 1 September 1976. Fate: unknown.

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships
* Minesweeper

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/#Anchor-Editoria-14954 Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/05196.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - Meadowlark (MSC 196) - ex-AMS-196]