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USS Osprey (AMS-28)

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History
United States
OperatorUS Navy
Orderedas USS YMS-422
BuilderAstoria Marine Construction
Laid down9 October 1943
Launched1 June 1944
Commissioned27 September 1944
Decommissionedpost-Korean War
Stricken15 June 1969
Fate
  • Loaned to Japan, 22 March 1955
  • Sold for scrap, 1969
Japan
NameJDS Yakushima (MSC-658)
Acquired22 March 1955
General characteristics
Displacement270 tons
Length136 ft (41 m)
Beam24 ft 6 in (7.47 m)
Draught10 ft (3.0 m)
Speed13 knots
Complement34
Armamentone 3 in (76 mm) gun mount, two 20 mm machine guns, two depth charge tracks

USS Osprey (AMS-28/YMS-422) was a YMS-1-class minesweeper of the YMS-135 subclass built for the United States Navy during World War II. She was the third U.S. Navy ship to be named for the osprey.

History

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YMS-422 was laid down 9 October 1943 at the Astoria Marine Construction, Astoria, Oregon; launched 1 June 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Charles S. Harper, Jr.; and commissioned 27 September 1944.

World War II service

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YMS-422 patrolled off the California coast until reporting for duty with the Hawaiian Sea Frontier early in January 1945. Patrol activities interspersed with minesweeping training absorbed her time until mid-summer when she sailed to the western Pacific Ocean. The approaching end of the war would not and did not end the need for vessels of this type. The removal of minefields around the Japanese home island of Honshū provided the first extensive test of YMS-422's skill at this hazardous work. Operations commenced at Nagoya 18 October, continued at Kobe in December, and this craft was still partially engaged with this task at the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950.

Korean War service

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Previously named and designated Osprey (AMS-28), 17 February 1947, this wooden-hulled ship now sailed directly to help confront this latest communist advance. Osprey made a pre-assault sweep at Pohang 14 July 1950 to clear the way for the 1st Cavalry Division. 15 September her sweeps prepared a firing base anchorage for the big guns of the battleship USS Missouri (BB-63) at the masterful Inchon landings.

The following month, while engaged in clearing Wonsan Bay, North Korea, two sister ships struck mines and sank. One year later, again at Wonsan, and again operating under enemy fire she suffered 3 shell hits, 29 October which necessitated a brief retirement to Japan. Upon return, her continuing aggressive spirit in seeking out and firing on enemy targets ashore and record breaking performance in mine destruction earned medals and promotions for members of the ship's company. Her sterling performance continued until negotiations produced a truce 27 July 1953.

Osprey, redesignated MSC(O), 7 February 1955, was destined to conclude her career in the Far East. Loaned to the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force, 22 March 1955, she served as Yakushima (YTE-10) until 1969. Declared surplus to the needs of both the Japanese and United States navies she was struck from the Navy Directory 15 June 1969.

Awards and honors

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YMS-422, received 2 battle stars for post-World War II operations and, as AMS-28, 10 battle stars for Korean War service.

References

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