USS Goldfinch (AM-77)

USS "Goldfinch" (AM-77) was a "Goldfinch"-class minesweeper acquired by the U.S. Navy for the dangerous task of removing mines from minefields laid in the water to prevent ships from passing.

"Goldfinch" was built as trawler "Fordham" in 1929 by Bath Iron Works of Bath, Maine, and purchased by the Navy 18 September 1940 from F. J. O'Hara & Sons, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts. She was converted to a minesweeper at Bethlehem Atlantic Yard, Boston, and commissioned at Boston Navy Yard 30 January 1941, Lt. Comdr. W. R. McCaleb in command.

World War II service

"Goldfinch" was first assigned to Inshore Patrol Force, 1st Naval District, then shifted her operations to Chesapeake Bay, where she conducted minesweeping operations off Norfolk and Yorktown, Virginia. Reporting to Newport, Rhode Island, 1 July, "Goldfinch" joined Squadron 9 for minesweeping operations ranging from Argentia, Newfoundland, to Norfolk. She became flagship of the Squadron 29 September at Portland, Maine. Transferred to duty in Newfoundland, "Goldfinch" based her operations during the period 1 December 1942 to May 1944 at Fort McAndrew and Argentia, Newfoundland, constantly patrolling for mines to protect merchant shipping and warships alike as they plied those waters.

Decommissioning

She arrived Boston June 1944 for conversion to civilian use as a commercial trawler and decommissioned 18 August 1944. Delivered to the Maritime Commission, "Goldfinch" was sold 9 January 1946 to the Norwegian Shipping and Trade Commission of New York.

References

*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/g6/goldfinch-i.htm

External links

* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/02077.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - Goldfinch (AM 77)]