USS Shrike (MSC-201)

USS Shrike (MSC-201) was an "Redwing"-class motor minesweeper acquired by the U.S. Navy for clearing coastal minefields.

"MSC-201" was laid down on 1 September 1953 by Tampa Marine Co., Tampa, Florida; launched on 21 July 1954; sponsored by Mrs. A. John Miller; and commissioned on 21 March 1955, Lt. (jg) W. E. O'Leary, in command. "Shrike" was originally laid down as AMS-201, but her classification was changed to MSC-201 on 7 February 1955.

East Coast operations

"Shrike" sailed from Tampa on 2 April for Charleston, South Carolina, arriving there on 5 April. From 15 May to 24 June, she conducted shakedown training at Key West, Florida. She returned to Charleston on 26 June. For the remainder of the year, the minesweeper operated between Charleston and Key West as a unit of Mine Squadron 4. Shrike was assigned to the Mine Force, Atlantic Fleet, and the operational control of Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force, Atlantic Fleet, with her homeport at Key West.

upporting missile testing and search and rescue

The minesweeper operated out of that port until 30 June 1965. During these years, the ship conducted local operations, conducted experiments with new equipment, evaluated new type mines, and provided services for the missile testing facility at Cape Canaveral. In November 1963, her evaluation testing was interrupted when she was deployed to locate and assist in the salvage of a downed U-2 aircraft in Florida Bay.

Reassigned as minesweeper

On 30 June 1965, "Shrike's" homeport was changed to Charleston; she was assigned to Mine Division 42, and her status was changed from an experimental ship to a sweeper in the mine force. She conducted operations from Charleston for the next three years which took her as far north as Newport, Rhode Island, as far south as the Caribbean, and one trip to New Orleans, Louisiana.

Service as a training ship

On 27 September 1968, "Shrike" was decommissioned at Wilmington, North Carolina, and became a U.S. Naval Reserve training ship for the 6th Naval District. As of August 1974, the minesweeper was still assigned to the Naval Reserve Force and berthed at Wilmington, North Carolina.

Decommissioning

"Shrike" was struck from the Naval Register, 1 July 1975 and scrapped, April 1978. 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/11/05201.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - AMS / MSC-201 Shrike]