USS Pivot (MSO-463)

USS "Pivot" (AM-463/MSO-463) 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 "Pivot" by the Navy, "AM–463" was laid down 31 March 1952 by Wilmington Boat Works, Wilmington, California; launched 9 January 1954; sponsored by Mrs. Minor C. Heinl; and commissioned 12 July 1954, Lt. Robert M. Collins in command.

West Coast operations

Following shakedown in the Long Beach-San Diego area, "Pivot" became flagship of Mine Division 93 at its establishment 6 December. On 8 January 1955, she participated in Operation Rainbow to begin her career in the U.S. Pacific Fleet and the following month was redesignated "MSO–463".

WestPac deployments

She operated along the U.S. West Coast until departing Long Beach, California, 2 June 1958 for the Far East for service with the U.S. 7th Fleet. During this deployment she attempted to assist USS|Prestige|MSO-465 aground at Naruto Kaikyo, Japan; but ran aground herself during the daring operation in dangerous waters. "Pivot" managed to break free but "Prestige" was lost.

Awarded the Battle Efficiency “E”

Returning to Long Beach 7 January 1959, the non-magnetic ocean minesweeper resumed operations along the U.S. West Coast establishing a pattern of alternating service off the Pacific seaboard with WestPac deployments in 1960, 1962, 1964, 1966 and 1968. During the 1962 deployment, she received the Battle Efficiency “E”.

Supporting Market Time operations

Her last three deployments took "Pivot" to Viet Nam for “Market Time” operations, inspecting junks and other craft to stem the flow of Communist war material from the north into South Viet Nam. Her light draft, and her crew’s high standard of seamanship suited the minesweep ideally for this important service in support of freedom. "Pivot" returned to Long Beach from her last 7th Fleet deployment 10 May 1969 and operated on the West coast into 1970.

Decommissioning

"Pivot" was decommissioned on 1 July 1971. Stricken from the Navy list 1 August 1974 she was sold to Spain effective the same day. "Pivot" was named "Guadamedina" in the Spanish Navy.

References

See also

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

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/p11/prestige-ii.htm USS Pivot]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/02463.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - Pivot (MSO 463) - ex-AM-463]