USS Energy (AM-436)

USS "Energy" (AM-436/MSO-436) was an "Aggressive"-class minesweeper acquired by the U.S. Navy for the task of removing mines that had been placed in the water to prevent the safe passage of ships.

The second ship to be named "Energy" by the Navy, "AM-436" was launched 13 February 1953 by J. M. Martinac Shipbuilding Co., Tacoma, Washington; sponsored by Mrs. A M. Baughman; and commissioned 16 July 1954, Lieutenant Commander F. H. Sonntag in command. She was reclassified "MSO-436", 7 February 1955.

West Coast operations

"Energy" arrived at Long Beach, California, her home port, 3 August 1954, and began training along the U.S. West Coast with the ships of her division. On 4 January 1956, she sailed for her first tour of duty in the western Pacific Ocean, taking part in a large-scale exercise off Iwo Jima, and training with ships of the Republic of Korea and the Republic of China. Returning to her home port 15 June, she cruised along the west coast during the next year, conducting sonar tests and serving as a schoolship for officers of the Thailand Navy.

Matsu and Quemoy crisis

During her second deployment to the Far East, from 2 June 1958 to 6 January 1959, "Energy" stood by at Taiwan during the crisis brought on by renewed Communist shelling of Quemoy and Matsu, and again exercised with Chinese minesweepers.

Specialized mine warfare exercises and general training with the fleet along with visits to various west ports, were conducted through the summer of 1960. For the remainder of the year "Energy" served with the U.S. 7th Fleet in Far East waters.

Final status

"Energy" was loaned to the Philippine Navy as "Davao de Norte" 5 July 1972. "Energy" was later returned and stricken 1 July 1977. she was subsequently sold for scrapping on 8 July 1977.

References

*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/e4/energy-ii.htm

External links

* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/02436.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - Energy (MSO 436) - ex-AM-436]