USS Observer (MSO-461)

USS "Observer" (AM-461/MSO-461) 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 "Observer" by the Navy was laid down 20 July 1953 as "AM-461" by Higgins, Inc., New Orleans, Louisiana; launched 19 October 1954 sponsored by Mrs. E. V. Richards, reclassified "MSO-461" on 2 February 1955, commissioned 31 August 1955, Lt. Comdr. P. H. Barkley in command.

European operations

After fitting out, "Observer" joined the Atlantic Fleet Mine Force and participated in minesweeping exercises prior to deploying to the Mediterranean. "Observer" sailed for the Mediterranean 1 May 1956 as part of Mine Division 85. After ports of call in the Mediterranean, she participated in NATO exercises in the area of Harwich, England. Following these exercises, "Observer" made goodwill visits to several Scandinavian countries, France, Portugal, Italy, and Gibraltar. She departed Gibraltar 28 September and began the long trip home, arriving 13 October.

North Atlantic operations

"Observer" participated in operations along the Atlantic seaboard, in the Caribbean and off Panama during the first half of 1957. In June 1957, she visited Hampton Roads, Virginia, for the Naval Review. Then "Observer" put into Norfolk Navy Yard for an extended overhaul. Then came refresher training, and exercises prior to deploying to the Mediterranean in January 1958. "Observer" continued this trend of operations, deploying with the U.S. 6th Fleet and participating in exercises along the Atlantic coast and in the Caribbean, into 1970. Observer's last exercise was Operation Snowy Beach off the coast of Maine, January 1972.

Decommissioning

"Observer" was decommissioned on July 1, 1972, struck from the Navy list 1 November 1977, and was sold for scrapping 1 April 1979.

References

See also

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

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/o1/observer-ii.htm Observer]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/02461.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - Observer (MSO 461) - ex-AM-461]