USS Fortify (AM-446)

USS "Fortify" (AM-446/MSO-446) 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.

"Fortify" was launched 14 February 1953 by Seattle Shipbuilding and Drydocking Co., Seattle, Washington; sponsored by Mrs. Donald Scobie; and commissioned 16 July 1954, Lieutenant R. Juarez in command.

West Coast operations

"Fortify" first arrived at Long Beach, California, her home port, 3 August 1954, and in December became flagship of Mine Division 92. "Fortify" was reclassified "MSO-446" on 7 February 1955.

During her first tour of duty in the Far East, from 1 July 1955 to 17 February 1956, Fortify took part in exercises with Japanese, Korean, and Chinese minesweepers, as well as fleet operations in Japanese waters. Her training activities and participation in exercises along the west coast prepared her for additional tours of duty in the Far East in 1958 and 1960.

Final status

"Fortify" was decommissioned on 31 August 1992 and struck from the Navy list on 9 March 1994. She was sold for scrapping in 2000.

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/f4/fortify.htm Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships - Fortify]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/02446.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - Fortify (MSO-446) - ex-AM-446]
* [http://www.nvr.navy.mil/nvrships/details/MSO446.htm NVR - MSO-446]