USS Phoebe (AMc-57)

USS "Phoebe" (AMc-57) was a "Phoebe"-class coastal 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.

The first ship to be named "Phoebe" by the Navy, "AMc–57" was laid down by the Western Boat Building Co., Tacoma, Washington, 5 December 1940; launched in 1941; purchased by the Navy 31 March 1941; and commissioned at Tacoma, Washington, 2 May 1941.

World War II service

"Phoebe" served exclusively in the Northwestern Sea Frontier. In July 1943 she was tactical command ship for a group of four minesweepers that cleared a defensive minefield which had been planted in 1942 to protect Shagak Bay and Bay of Islands, Adak, Alaska. By 4 August, they had exploded more than 340 mines. "Phoebe" continued operations as a dan buoy ship in Alaskan waters throughout the remainder of World War II, having been assigned to the Alaskan Sea Frontier. She was ordered to proceed from Dutch Harbor to Seattle, Washington, 21 October 1945 and decommissioned there 17 December 1945.

Post-war deactivation

She was struck from the Navy List 8 January 1946. "Phoebe" was delivered to the Maritime Commission which sold her to her builder, the Western Boat Building Co., 27 March 1946.

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships
* Minesweeper (ship)

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/#Anchor-Editoria-14954 Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/03057.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - Phoebe (AMc 57)]