thumb| with four [[Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion#MH-53E|MH-53E minesweeping helicopters on deck, 2001]]

This is a list of mine warfare vessels of the United States Navy.

Ship status is indicated as either currently active [A] (including ready reserve), inactive [I], or precommissioning [P]. Ships in the inactive category include only ships in the inactive reserve, ships which have been disposed from US service have no listed status. Ships in the precommissioning category include ships under construction or on order.

Historical overview

Mine warfare consists of: minelaying, the deployment of explosive naval mines at sea to sink enemy ships or to prevent their access to particular areas; minesweeping, the removal or detonation of naval mines; and degaussing, the process of decreasing or eliminating a remnant magnetic field in a ship's hull to prevent its detection by magnetic mines. The US Navy has operated ships and craft for all three purposes. Mine planting is the laying and maintenance of controlled mines for harbor defense, which was traditionally a role of the US Army.

Classifications

Mine warfare ships were originally considered by the US Navy to be either auxiliaries or yard and district craft, and so were given hull classification symbols beginning with either 'A' or 'Y', depending on their capabilities. The exceptions were four converted cargo ships with ID numbers (prior to the modern hull system), certain large 'cruiser' minelayers which were given hull symbols beginning with 'CM', converted destroyers which were given hull symbols beginning with 'DM', and three unclassified civilian cargo ships after World War II.

On 7 February 1955 all of these ships and craft still in service or reserve were reclassed and received new hull symbols beginning with 'M', usually without change of hull number. The exception was the degaussing ships, which retained the 'A' hull symbol.

Modern Littoral Combat Ships use 'L' hull symbols even though they can be used for mine warfare.

Auxiliary minelayers (ACM)

All ACMs except USS Buttress and USS Monadnock were originally US Army mine planters.

Chimo class

  • , later ARC-5

PCE-842 class

  • , ex-PCE-878

Camanche class

Other classes

Degaussing ships (ADG)

  • USS Lodestone (ADG-8), ex-YDG-8
  • USS Magnet (ADG-9), ex-YDG-9
  • USS Deperm (ADG-10), ex-YDG-10
  • USS Ampere (ADG-11), ex-YDG-11
  • USS Surfbird (ADG-383), ex-MSF-383

Minesweepers (AM)

right|thumb|USS Lapwing (AM-1)

  • , later AVP-1
  • , later AT-137, ATO-137
  • , later AT-140, ATO-140
  • , wrecked Kanaga Island, Alaska 19 February 1938
  • , sunk by Japanese artillery on Bataan 4 May 1942
  • , wrecked off Chirikof Island, Alaska 6 June 1923
  • , later AT-136, ATO-136
  • , wrecked Point Mosquito Panama 15 December 1925
  • , sunk in air attack, Corregidor, PI, 10 April 1942
  • , later AVP-2
  • , canceled 4 December 1918
  • , canceled 4 December 1918
  • , later AT-143, ATO-143
  • , later AT-145, ATO-145
  • , scuttled off Corregidor 5 May 1942
  • , later AT-138, ATO-138
  • , later YNG-20
  • , later AVP-3
  • , later AVP-4
  • , later AT-131, ATO-131
  • , later AT-168, ATO-168
  • , later ASR-1
  • , later AVP-5
  • , later ARS-32
  • , later AT-135, ATO-135
  • , later AT-139, ATO-139
  • , later AVP-6
  • , later ASR-2
  • , later ARS-2
  • , later AT-141, ATO-141
  • , later AT-142, ATO-142
  • , later ARS-1
  • , scuttled Guam 8 December 1941
  • , later AVP-7
  • , scuttled in Manila Bay, PI following damage from air attack 10 December 1941
  • , accidentally sank while under tow Hawaii 26 June 1937
  • , later ARS-3
  • , later ASR-3
  • , later AT-133, ATO-133
  • , later AVP-8
  • , canceled 4 December 1918
  • , later AT-134
  • , later ASR-4
  • , later ASR-5
  • , sunk in collision, 24 August 1940
  • , later ASR-6
  • , later ARS-4
  • , canceled 4 December 1918
  • , canceled 4 December 1918
  • , later AVP-9
  • , later AT-144
  • , later ARS-11
  • , later ARS-12

right|thumb|USS Osprey (AM-56)

:The Raven class became Minesweepers, steel hulled (MSF) on 7 February 1955.

  • , sunk by mine, English Channel, 5 June 1944, 6 killed

right|thumb|USS Pheasant (AM-61)

:The Auk class became Minesweepers, Steel Hulled (MSF) on 7 February 1955.

  • , later AGS-19
  • , sunk by mine Okinawa 28 March 1945, 5 killed
  • , sunk by kamikaze Okinawa 22 April 1945
  • , later AGS-20
  • , later AGS-17
  • , later AGS-18
  • , sunk in air attack 10 July 1943, several killed
  • , sunk by torpedo 25 September 1943, 72 killed
  • , sunk by mine Anzio 9 July 1944
  • , sunk by mine Normandy 7 June 1944, at least 1 killed

Bullfinch class

Catbird class

  • , later IX-183
  • , later IX-170

(1940)

  • , later IX-171
  • , later IX-172
  • , later IX-166

Goshawk class

  • , ex-AMc-4, later IX-195

Goldcrest class

:All ships of this class were built on PC-461 class submarine chaser hulls, were deemed unsatisfactory as minesweepers, and so were converted back into submarine chasers.

  • , later PC-1586
  • , later PC-1587
  • , later PC-1588
  • , later PC-1589
  • , later PC-1590
  • , later PC-1591
  • , later PC-1592
  • , later PC-1593
  • , later PC-1594
  • , later PC-1595
  • , later PC-1596
  • , later PC-1597
  • , later PC-1598
  • , later PC-1599
  • , later PC-1600
  • , later PC-1601
  • , later PC-1602
  • , later PC-1603

right|thumb|USS Admirable (AM-136)

:All 1945 transfers to the Soviet Union (USSR) occurred under Project Hula.

:The Admirable class became Minesweepers, steel hulled (MSF) on 7 February 1955.

  • , to USSR 19 July 1945
  • , to USSR 19 July 1945
  • , to USSR 19 July 1945
  • , to USSR 19 July 1945
  • , to USSR 19 July 1945
  • , to USSR 19 July 1945
  • AM-166 through AM-208 – canceled 9 April 1942
  • AM-209 through AM-213 – canceled 10 April 1942
  • , to USSR 22 May 1945
  • – canceled June 6, 1944
  • – canceled June 6, 1944
  • – canceled June 6, 1944
  • – canceled June 6, 1944
  • – canceled June 6, 1944
  • , to USSR 21 May 1945
  • – canceled June 6, 1944
  • – canceled June 6, 1944
  • , museum ship
  • – canceled June 6, 1944
  • – canceled June 6, 1944
  • – canceled June 6, 1944
  • , to USSR 22 May 1945
  • , to USSR 21 May 1945
  • , to USSR 21 May 1945
  • , to USSR 21 May 1945
  • , to USSR 21 May 1945
  • , to USSR 21 May 1945
  • , to USSR 22 May 1945
  • , to USSR 22 May 1945
  • , to USSR 22 May 1945
  • , sunk by mine off Wonsan, Korea, 12 October 1950, 13 missing or killed
  • , sunk by mine off Wonsan, Korea, 10 October 1950
  • , to USSR 21 May 1945
  • – canceled December 1, 1944
  • – canceled November 1, 1945
  • – canceled June 6, 1944
  • – canceled June 6, 1944
  • , sunk by mine off Brunei 8 June 1945
  • – canceled November 1, 1945
  • – canceled November 1, 1945
  • – canceled June 6, 1944
  • – canceled June 6, 1944
  • – canceled June 6, 1944
  • – canceled June 6, 1944
  • – canceled November 1, 1945
  • – canceled November 1, 1945
  • – canceled November 1, 1945
  • – canceled November 1, 1945
  • – canceled November 1, 1945
  • – canceled August 11, 1945
  • – canceled August 11, 1945
  • – canceled August 11, 1945
  • – canceled August 11, 1945
  • – canceled August 11, 1945
  • – canceled August 11, 1945
  • – canceled August 11, 1945
  • – canceled August 11, 1945
  • – canceled August 11, 1945
  • – canceled August 11, 1945
  • – canceled August 11, 1945
  • – canceled August 11, 1945
  • – canceled August 11, 1945
  • – canceled August 11, 1945
  • – canceled August 11, 1945
  • – canceled August 11, 1945
  • – canceled August 11, 1945
  • – canceled August 11, 1945
  • – canceled August 11, 1945
  • – canceled August 11, 1945
  • – canceled August 11, 1945
  • – canceled August 11, 1945
  • – canceled August 11, 1945
  • – canceled August 11, 1945
  • – canceled August 11, 1945

Algerine class (built for the United Kingdom)

:These minesweepers were built for the U.K. and redesignated from an AM hull number to a J hull number. Most were returned to the US at the end of Lend-Lease.

right|thumb|USS Agile (AM-421) as (MSO-421)

and Aggressive class

:These classes have considerable overlap; some ships are considered both Agile and Agreessive class. A few more are occasionally considered Dash class. These classes became Minesweepers, ocean (MSO) on 7 February 1955.

  • AM-450 – to France as
  • AM-451 – to France as then to Uruguay as
  • AM-452 – to France as
  • AM-453 – to France as
  • AM-454 – to France as
  • AM-475 – to France as
  • AM-476 – to France as
  • AM-477 – to France as
  • AM-478 – to Portugal as
  • AM-479– to Portugal as
  • AM-480 – to the Netherlands as
  • AM-481 – to the Netherlands as
  • AM-482 – to the Netherlands as
  • AM-483 – to the Netherlands as
  • AM-484 – to the Netherlands as
  • AM-485 – to the Netherlands as
  • AM-486 – to Portugal as
  • AM-487 – to Portugal as
  • AM-498 – to Norway as , then to Belgium as
  • AM-499 – to Norway as , then to Belgium as
  • AM-500 – to France as
  • AM-501 – to France as
  • AM-502 – to France as
  • AM-503 – to Belgium as
  • AM-504 – to Belgium as
  • AM-505 – to France as
  • AM-506 – to Italy as
  • AM-507 – to Italy as
  • AM-512 – to France as
  • AM-513 – to France as
  • AM-514 – to France as
  • AM-515 – to Belgium as
  • AM-516 – to Belgium as
  • AM-517 – to Italy as
  • AM-518 – to Italy as

Accentor or Acme class

:The Acme class became Minesweepers, ocean (MSO) on 7 February 1955.

Ability class

:The Ability class became Minesweepers, Ocean (MSO) on 7 February 1955.

Other/unknown class

  • , later IX-165
  • , later Agate (PYc-4)
  • , later Captor (PYc-40), a Q-ship (armed decoy)
  • – built for U.K. December 22, 1943
  • AM-342 through AM-350 – hull numbers not used
  • – canceled November 1, 1945
  • – canceled November 1, 1945
  • – canceled November 1, 1945
  • – canceled November 1, 1945
  • – canceled November 1, 1945

Auxiliary base minesweepers (AMb)

  • USS Raymonde (AMb-17), later YP-375, IX-199

Coastal minesweepers (AMc)

Pipit class

Goshawk class

  • , later AM-79

Chatterer class

Grosbeak class

Crow class

  • , sunk during torpedo training session, Puget Sound, 23 August 1943

Egret class

  • , later IX-181

Frigate Bird class

Reedbird class

Firecrest class

  • , later IX-230
  • , later YTD-4
  • , wrecked by Typhoon Louise Okinawa October 1945
  • , later IX-202
  • , later IX-231
  • , later IX-232
  • , sunk in collision Buzzards Bay 29 June 1944, 7 killed

Agile class

  • , later IX-203

Acme class

Admirable class

PCS-1376 class

:The PCS-1376 class of coastal minesweepers were originally Patrol Craft Sweepers (PCS) which lacked minesweeping gear. They were built on 134-foot hulls and then converted into sonar school ships or back into minesweepers.

  • , ex-PCS-1466
  • , ex-PCS-1465, later AMCU-14

Other/unknown classes

:Many coastal minesweepers were civilian ships purchased by the US Navy and then converted for use as minesweeper ships. Among them are various designs and makes of yachts, fishing vessels, and other ships.

  • , later IX-175
  • , sunk in collision 3 June 1942
  • , sunk in collision 30 June 1942
  • , later IX-194
  • , later IX-180
  • , later YDT-6
  • , later YDT-7
  • , later YN-53
  • , later IX-176
  • , ex-YP-150, later IX-177
  • AMc-202, later YP-389

Coastal minesweepers (Underwater locator) (AMCU)

On 7 February 1955, all AMCU's were redesignated as Coastal minehunters (MHC). Hull numbers were not changed.

AMCU-7 class

:All AMCU-7 class minesweepers were conversions of Landing Craft Infantry (LCI).

  • , ex-LCI-589
  • , ex-LCI-400
  • , ex-LCI-409
  • , ex-LCI-513
  • , ex-LCI-514
  • , ex-LCI-652, conversion canceled
  • , ex-LCI-653
  • USS Blue Jay (AMCU-17), ex-LCI-654, not commissioned
  • USS Chaffinch (AMCU-18), ex-LCI-694, not commissioned
  • USS Chewink (AMCU-19), ex-LCI-701, not commissioned
  • USS Chimango (AMCU-20), ex-LCI-703, not commissioned
  • , ex-LCI-709
  • USS Cotinga (AMCU-22), ex-LCI-776, not commissioned
  • USS Dunlin (AMCU-23), ex-LCI-777, conversion canceled
  • , ex-LCI-869
  • , ex-LCI-870
  • , ex-LCI-874
  • USS Killdeer (AMCU-27), ex-LCI-883, conversion canceled
  • , ex-LCI-884
  • USS Magpie (AMCU-29), ex-LCI-944, not commissioned
  • , ex-LCI-963, not commissioned
  • USS Medrick (AMCU-31), ex-LCI-966, conversion canceled
  • USS Minivet (AMCU-32), ex-LCI-969, conversion canceled
  • , ex-LCI-973
  • , ex-LCI-976
  • , ex-LCI-982
  • , ex-LCI-1001, conversion canceled
  • , ex-LCI-1022
  • , ex-LCI-1008
  • , ex-LCI-1052, not commissioned
  • USS Shearwater (AMCU-40), ex-LCI-882, conversion canceled
  • , ex-LCI-1093
  • , ex-LCI-1098

YMS-1 class

  • , ex-YMS-242, AGS-12, AGSC-12
  • , ex-YMS-262, AGS-13, AGSC-13
  • , ex-YMS-324, AMS-16
  • , ex-YMS-417, AMS-26
  • , ex-YMS-443, AMS-34
  • , ex-PCS-1393, YMS-446, AMS-35
  • , ex-PCS-1456, YMS-479, AMS-39

PCS-1376 class

  • , ex-PCS-1465, AMc-204

Other/unknown classes

Ocean minesweepers (AMS)

YMS-1 class

  • , ex-YMS-80, later EMSC(O)-1
  • , ex-YMS-164, later MHC-44
  • , ex-YMS-170, later MHC-45
  • , ex-YMS-179, later MSC(O)-4
  • , ex-YMS-192, later MSC(O)-5
  • , ex-YMS-201, later MSC(O)-6
  • , ex-YMS-215
  • , ex-YMS-218, later MSC(O)-8
  • , ex-YMS-219, later MSC(O)-9
  • , ex-YMS-231, later MSC(O)-10
  • , ex-YMS-238, later MSC(O)-11
  • , ex-YMS-306, later MSO(O)-12
  • , ex-YMS-312, later MSC(O)-13
  • , ex-YMS-317
  • , ex-YMS-321, later MSC(O)-15
  • , ex-YMS-324, later AMCU-46
  • , ex-YMS-362, later MSC(O)-17
  • , ex-YMS-369, later MSC(O)-18
  • , ex-YMS-371, later MSC(O)-19
  • , ex-YMS-372, later MSC(O)-20
  • , ex-YMS-373
  • , ex-YMS-374, later MSC(O)-22
  • , ex-YMS-376, later MSC(O)-23
  • , ex-YMS-395, later MSC(O)-24
  • , ex-YMS-400, sunk by mine off Chusan Po, Korea, 1 Oct 1950, 21 killed
  • , ex-YMS-417, later AMCU-47
  • , ex-YMS-419, later MSC(O)-27
  • , ex-YMS-422, later MSC(O)-28
  • , ex-YMS-430, later MSC(O)-29
  • , ex-YMS–434, grounded 30 Mar 1949
  • , ex-YMS-437, sunk by mine in Wonsan harbor, Korea, 2 Feb 1951, 8 killed
  • , ex-YMS-441, later MSC(O)-32
  • , ex-YMS-442, later MSC(O)-33
  • , ex-YMS-443, later AMCU-48
  • , ex-YMS-446, later AMCU-49
  • , ex-YMS-461, later MSC(O)-36
  • , ex-YMS-470, later MSC(O)-37
  • , ex-YMS-471, later MSC(O)-38
  • , ex-YMS-479, later AMCU-50
  • , ex-YMS-415, later MSC(O)-40
  • , ex-YMS-45, later MSC(O)-41
  • , ex-YMS-109, later MSC(O)-42
  • , ex-YMS-113, later MSC(O)-43
  • , ex-YMS-114, later MSC(O)-44
  • , ex-YMS-120, later MSC(O)-45
  • , ex-YMS-136, later MSC(O)-46
  • , ex-YMS-193, later MSC(O)-47
  • , ex-YMS-268, later MSC(O)-48
  • , ex-YMS-271, later MSC(O)-49
  • , ex-YMS-290, later MSC(O)-50
  • , ex-YMS-291, later MSC(O)-51
  • , ex-YMS-299, later MSC(O)-52
  • , ex-YMS-311, later MSC(O)-53
  • , ex-YMS-327, later MSC(O)-54
  • , ex-YMS-402, later MCS(O)-55
  • , ex-YMS-444, later MSC(O)-56
  • , ex-YMS-294, later MSC(O)-57
  • , ex-YMS-425, later MSC(O)-58

or Bluebird class

:The name of this class of ships internationally is Adjutant, named for the , which was cancelled and transferred to Portugal as the Ponta Delgada (M 405). The first commissioned ship of this class in the US Navy was the , hence its US Navy class name. This class became Minesweepers, coastal (MSC) on 7 February 1955.

  • (transferred to Portugal)
  • (transferred to France)
  • (transferred to France)
  • (transferred to Italy)
  • (transferred to Belgium)

Albatross class

:The Albatross class became Minesweepers, coastal (MSC) on 7 February 1955.

Other/unknown classes

British minesweepers (BAM)

For more vessels of this class see Catherine class minesweeper

Minelayers (CM)

  • , ex-C-3
  • , ex-C-5, later Tahoe, Yosemite

Aroostook class

  • , ex-ID-1256, later AK-44
  • , ex-ID-1255, later ARG-1

Catskill class

  • , later MM-5, MMF-5<!--This ship is the only one that remained a minelayer of these three, and is generally not considered a Catskill class though they are of the same design. QUESTION: Why is this not the Terror class then? Terror has the lowest hull number, after all.-->
  • , later LSV-1, MCS-1
  • , later LSV-2, MCS-2

Other/unknown classes and unique ships

  • , ex-AN-5, later AKN-4
  • , ex-CMc-5, sunk by mine off Le Havre, France on 25 September 1944, 58 killed
  • , wrecked by Typhoon Louise Okinawa October 1945

Coastal minelayers (CMc)

  • , later PY-13
  • , later PG-52
  • , later CM-10
  • , later AN-5, CM-8

Light minelayers (DM)

:These ships were originally designated as Wickes class destroyers and later reclassified to light minelayers around 1920.

  • , ex-DD-96
  • , ex-DD-97
  • , ex-DD-98
  • , ex-DD-99
  • , ex-DD-100
  • , ex-DD-101
  • , ex-DD-102
  • , ex-DD-110
  • , ex-DD-111
  • , ex-DD-112
  • , ex-DD-171
  • , ex-DD-172
  • , ex-DD-173
  • , ex-DD-174
  • , ex-DD-123, bombed 18 February 1945, 6 killed or missing, later scuttled
  • , ex-DD-124, later AG-98
  • , ex-DD-121, mined 17 October 1944, 4 killed, scrapped
  • , ex-DD-122

:These ships were originally designated Clemson class destroyers and later reclassified as light minelayers in 1937.

  • , ex-DD-214
  • , ex-DD-345, later AG-99
  • , ex-DD-346, later AG-100
  • , ex-DD-347, later AG-101

:These ships were originally designated Allen M. Sumner-class destroyers but were converted to Robert H. Smith class destroyer minelayers in 1944. In 1955 they would be reclassified as Fast minelayers (MMD).

  • , Operation Castle nuclear test participant

High speed/Destroyer minesweepers (DMS)

Wickes class

  • , ex-DD-117, wrecked by Typhoon Louise Okinawa October 1945
  • , ex-DD-119
  • , ex-DD-138, ex-IX-36, later AG-19
  • , ex-DD-146
  • , ex-DD-161, sunk by Kamikaze Lingayen Gulf 7 January 1945, 28 killed and missing
  • , ex-DD-178
  • , ex-DD-179
  • , ex-DD-180
  • , ex-DD-141

Clemson class

  • , ex-DD-206, later AG-108
  • , ex-DD-207, wrecked by Typhoon Louise Okinawa October 1945
  • , ex-DD-208, sunk by Kamikaze Lingayen Gulf 7 January 1945, 48 killed
  • , ex-DD-209, sunk by Kamikaze Lingayen Gulf 6 January 1945
  • , ex-DD-249
  • , ex-DD-337, later AG-119
  • , ex-DD-338, sunk in storm by own depth charges, 29 December 1942
  • , ex-DD-339, later AG-110
  • , ex-DD-226, sunk by mines 13 September 1944

Gleaves class

  • , ex-DD-454
  • , ex-DD-455
  • , ex-DD-456
  • , ex-DD-457, sunk after Kamikaze attack 6 April 1945, 60 killed
  • , ex-DD-458
  • , ex-DD-461
  • , ex-DD-462
  • , ex-DD-464, sunk in collision 26 April 1952, 176 killed
  • , ex-DD-621
  • , ex-DD-625
  • , ex-DD-636
  • , ex-DD-637
  • , ex-DD-489
  • , ex-DD-490
  • , ex-DD-493
  • , ex-DD-494
  • , ex-DD-495
  • , ex-DD-496
  • , ex-DD-618
  • , ex-DD-627
  • , ex-DD-632
  • , ex-DD-633
  • , ex-DD-634
  • , ex-DD-635

Fletcher class

  • , DD-642 – conversion canceled

Converted steamships and freighters (ID)

Eight steamships and freighters laid the North Sea Mine Barrage during World War I.

  • , later CM-3, AK-44
  • , later CM-4, ARG-1

Mine countermeasures ships (MCM)

Avenger class

  • [I]
  • [I]
  • [I]
  • , wrecked 17 January 2013 Tubbataha Reef Philippines
  • [I]
  • [A]
  • [A]
  • [A]
  • [I]
  • [I]
  • [A]

Mine countermeasures support ships (MCS)

Many Mine Countermeasures Support (MCS) ships were previous vehicle landing, tank landing, dock landing, or amphibious assault ships that were reclassified to the MCS type in later years.

Catskill class

  • , ex-LSV-1
  • , ex-LSV-2

Osage class

  • , ex-LSV-3, MCS conversion canceled
  • , ex-LSV-4, MCS conversion canceled
  • , ex-LSV-5, MCS conversion canceled

LST-542 class

  • , ex-LST-1069

Ashland class

  • , ex-LSD-4

Iwo Jima class

  • , ex-LPH-12

Coastal minehunters (MHC)

On 7 February 1955, all Coastal minesweepers (Underwater locator) (AMCU)s were redesignated as MHCs. Hull numbers were not changed. Bobolink, Bunting, and the Osprey class never had AMCU designations.

LCI(L)-351 class aka AMCU-7 class

YMS-1 class

PCS-1376 class

Other/unknown classes

Coastal minelayers (MMC)

Auk class

  • , ex-MSF-117
  • , ex-MSF-119
  • , ex-MSF-323
  • , ex-MSF-112

LSM-1 class

:At least 9 Landing Ship Medium (LSM)s were converted into coastal minelayers for transfer to NATO allies.

  • , ex-LSM-301
  • , ex-LSM-303
  • , ex-LSM-390
  • , ex-LSM-392
  • , ex-LSM-481
  • , ex-LSM-484
  • , ex-LSM-490
  • , ex-LSM-492
  • , ex-LSM-493

unknown class

Fast minelayers (MMD)

Fast Minelayers (MMD) were originally classed as Light minelayers (DM), but were redesignated in 1955. Hull numbers were not changed.

Robert H. Smith class

Fleet minelayers (MMF)

Catskill class

  • , ex-CM-5, ex-MM-5

Minesweepers, coastal (MSC)

All Albatross and Bluebird class MSC vessels were originally classed as Ocean minesweepers (AMS) prior to 7 February 1955. Hull numbers were not changed.

Bluebird class

MSC-218 class

Albatross class (1960)

  • , Operation Dominic nuclear test participant

Unknown/other class

Minesweepers, coastal (Old) (MSC(O))

All Ocean minesweepers (AMS) which were originally minesweepers and still on hand on 7 February 1955 were redesignated as Minesweepers, coastal (Old) (MSC(O)). Hull numbers were not changed.

YMS-1 class

  • , grounded 12 September 1963, CTL

Minesweepers, steel hulled (MSF)

All MSF vessels were originally classed as Minesweepers (AM) prior to 7 February 1955. Hull numbers were not changed.

Raven class

Auk class

  • , later MMC-5
  • , later MMC-1
  • , later MMC-2
  • , later MMC-3
  • , later AG-176

Admirable class

  • , later IX-305
  • , later to US Army intelligence as USAS Report (AGP-289)

Inshore minesweepers (MSI)

Minesweepers, ocean (MSO)

All MSO vessels were originally classed as Minesweepers (AM) prior to 7 February 1955. Hull numbers were not changed.

Agile or Aggressive class

:Ships of this class are variously called Agile or Aggressive class depending on source. Some four ships are also sometimes named as a part of a distinct Dash subclass.

  • , Operation Dominic nuclear test participant
  • MSO-497 (cancelled)
  • MSO-498 (built for Norway as the Lågen (M 950))
  • MSO-499 (built for Norway as the Namsen (M 951))
  • MSO-500 (built for France as the Berlaimont (M 620))
  • MSO-501 (built for France as the Origny (M 621))
  • MSO-502 (built for France as the Autun (M 622))
  • MSO-503 (built for Belgium as the Artevelde (M 907))
  • MSO-504 (built for Belgium as the Artevelde (M 906))
  • MSO-505 (built for France as the Baccarat (M 623))
  • MSO-506 (built for Italy as the Storione (M 5431))
  • MSO-507 (built for Italy as the Salmone (M 5430))
  • MSO-512 (built for France as the Narvik (M 609))
  • MSO-513 (built for France as the Ouistreham (M 610))
  • MSO-514 (built for France as the Colmar (M 610))
  • MSO-515 (built for Belgium as the Georges Truffaut (M 908))
  • MSO-516 (built for Belgium as the F. Bovesse (M 909))
  • MSO-517 (built for Italy as the Sgombro (M 5432))
  • MSO-518 (built for Italy as the Squalo (M 5433))

Acme class

Ability class

  • , later AG-520
  • , later AG-521
  • MSO-522 (built for Belgium as the Van Haverbeke (M 902))
  • MSO-523 to MSO-538 were planned but never built.

Minesweepers (Special device) (MSS)

Note that the official classification of these as devices rather than ships accounts for these ships absence of listings among the Navy's ships while designated MSS-1 and MSS-2.

  • MSS-1, ex-Liberty ship Harry L. Glucksman
  • , ex-LST-1166

Submarine minelayers (SM)

  • USS Argonaut (SM-1), later APS-1, sunk by Japanese destroyers off Rabaul on 10 January 1943

District auxiliary, miscellaneous (YAG)

Three Liberty ships were converted into experimental minesweepers.

  • Floyd W. Spencer (YAG-36)
  • John L. Sullivan (YAG-37)
  • Edward Kavanagh (YAG-38)

Another Liberty ship, the SS R. Ney McNeely, was also converted into an experimental minesweeper, but was returned to the reserve fleet without having a YAG number assigned.

Degaussing craft (YDG)

  • YDG-1
  • YDG-2
  • YDG-3
  • YDG-4, lost off New Caledonia, 1 October 1943
  • YDG-5
  • YDG-6, ex-YMS-344
  • YDG-7, ex-YMS-480
  • YDG-8, ex-PCE-876, later ADG-8
  • YDG-9, ex-PCE-879, later ADG-9
  • YDG-10, ex-PCE-883, later ADG-10
  • YDG-11, ex-PCE-919, AM-359, later ADG-11

Motor mineplanters (YMP)

Mineplanters were used to plant and maintain controlled mines for harbor defense; since the US Army had the primary responsibility for these minefields it is likely that the YMP hull designation was seldom used.

==Auxiliary motor mine sweepers (YMS)==<!-- "Auxiliary Motor Mine Sweeper" per Naval Vessel Register, "US Navy Inactive Classification Symbols" at http://www.nvr.navy.mil/oldclass.htm Yes, and all USN ship list wiki articles have inactive classifications -->

All Auxiliary Motor Mine Sweeper (YMS) ships to date are YMS-1 class, which itself has multiple subclasses.

All 1945 transfers to the Soviet Union (USSR) occurred under Project Hula.

YMS-1 subclass

  • , sunk in collision, Boston Harbor, 11 Jan 1945
  • , sunk by mine, Angaur, Palau Islands, 24 September 1944
  • , sunk by mine, Toulon, France, 1 September 1944
  • , sunk by mine, St. Tropez, France, 16 August 1944
  • , sunk by mine, Anzio, Italy, 25 January 1944
  • , to USSR 17 August 1945
  • , to USSR 19 July 1945
  • , sunk by mine, Balikpapan, Borneo, 26 June 1945
  • , to USSR 19 July 1945
  • , later AMS-41
  • , sunk by Japanese artillery on Corregidor 14 February 1945
  • , sunk by mine, Balikpapan, Borneo, 18 June 1945
  • , to USSR 6 June 1945
  • , lost in storm off Leyte, Philippines, 17 October 1944
  • , sunk by a mine off Borneo, 3 April 1945
  • , to USSR 19 July 1945
  • , later AMS-1
  • , sunk by mine, Balikpapan, Borneo, 9 July 1945
  • , to USSR 17 August 1945
  • , to USSR 27 August 1945
  • , lost in Typhoon Ida 16 September 1945
  • , to USSR 17 August 1945
  • , damaged by mine Okinawa, 8 April 1945, CTL, 5 killed
  • , later AMS-42
  • , later AMS-43
  • , later AMS-44
  • , later AMS-45
  • , grounded in a storm Tanaga Island Aleutians 10 January 1944, CTL
  • , foundered 20 February 1943 off Coos Bay, OR

YMS-135 subclass

  • , to USSR 27 August 1945
  • , later AMS-46
  • , to UK
  • , to USSR 19 July 1945
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to USSR 17 May 1945
  • , to USSR 17 May 1945
  • , to USSR 22 May 1945
  • , lost in Typhoon Louise, Okinawa, 9 October 1945
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , later AMS-2
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , later AMS-3
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to USSR 19 July 1945
  • , later AMS-4
  • , to USSR 27 August 1945
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to USSR 19 July 1945
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , later AMS-5
  • , later AMS-47
  • , to UK
  • , later AMS-6
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , later AMS-7
  • , to USSR 19 July 1945
  • , to UK
  • , later AMS-8
  • , later AMS-9
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , later AMS-10
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to USSR 19 July 1945
  • , later AMS-11
  • , to UK
  • , to USSR 19 July 1945
  • , later AGS-12, AGSC-12, AMCU-12
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to USSR 2 August 1945
  • , to UK
  • , later AGS-13 as James M. Gilliss, Operation Crossroads nuclear test participant, AGSC-13, AMCU-13, MHC-13
  • , later AGS-14, AGSC-14
  • , to USSR 17 August 1945
  • , later AMS-48
  • , later AMS-49
  • , to USSR 19 July 1945
  • , to USSR 19 July 1945
  • , lost in Typhoon Louise, Okinawa, 9 October 1945
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to UK
  • , to USSR 27 August 1945
  • , to USSR 3 September 1945
  • , to USSR 17 August 1945
  • , later AMS-50
  • , later AMS-51
  • , later AMS-57
  • , to USSR 19 July 1945
  • , later AMS-52
  • , to USSR 17 August 1945
  • , sunk by mine Normandy, 30 July 1944, 8 killed
  • , later AMS-12
  • , later AMS-53
  • , later AMS-13
  • , later AMS-14
  • , later AMS-15
  • , later AMS-16, AMCU-46
  • , later AMS-54
  • , later private yacht
  • , to USSR 27 August 1945
  • , lost in Typhoon Ida, 16 September 1945
  • , later YDG-6
  • , sunk by mine, Normandy, 2 July 1944
  • , Operation Crossroads nuclear test participant
  • , Operation Crossroads participant
  • , later AMS-18
  • , later AMS-19
  • , later AMS-20
  • , later AMS-21
  • , later AMS-22
  • , later AMS-23
  • , damaged by mine, Normandy, 30 July 1944, CTL
  • , lost in Typhoon Louise, Okinawa, 9 October 1945
  • , sunk by mine, Ulithi, 1 October 1944
  • , later AMS-24
  • , later AMS-25
  • , later AMS-55
  • , lost 12 Sep 1944 in the 1944 Great Atlantic Hurricane, all 33 crew died
  • , Operation Crossroads participant
  • , later AMS-28
  • , grounded by Typhoon Louise, Okinawa, 9 October 1945, CTL
  • , later AMS-58
  • , to USSR 17 May 1945
  • , later AMS-29
  • , later AMS-30
  • , to USSR 17 May 1945
  • , later AMS-31
  • , later AMS-32
  • , later AMS-33
  • , later AMS-34, AMCU-48
  • , later AMS-56
  • , later YDG-7
  • , sunk by shore batteries off Tarakan, Borneo, 2 May 1945

YMS-446 subclass

  • , ex-PCS-1393, later AMS-35, AMCU-49
  • , ex-PCS-1394
  • , ex-PCS-1395
  • , ex-PCS-1398
  • , ex-PCS-1399
  • , ex-PCS-1400
  • , ex-PCS-1401
  • , ex-PCS-1406
  • , ex-PCS-1407, grounded by Typhoon Louise, Okinawa, 9 October 1945, CTL
  • , ex-PCS-1408
  • , ex-PCS-1409
  • , ex-PCS-1410
  • , ex-PCS-1411
  • , ex-PCS-1412
  • , ex-PCS-1415
  • , ex-PCS-1416, later AMS-36
  • , ex-PC-1427, PCS-1427
  • , ex-PCS-1428, Operation Crossroads participant
  • , ex-PCS-1443
  • , ex-PCS-1444
  • , ex-PCS-1447
  • , ex-PCS-1448
  • , ex-PCS-1453
  • , ex-PCS-1454, broached and capsized by Typhoon Ida, 16 September 1945 at Wakanoura Wan, Japan, CTL
  • , ex-PCS-1456, later AMS-39, AMCU-50

YMS-482 through YMS-500 were planned but cancelled.

Littoral Combat Ships (LCS)

The Littoral Combat Ships can carry Mine Warfare Modules which operate unmanned vehicles of various types for mine clearance operations.

Unclassified civilian minesweepers

After the end of World War II three war-damaged civilian ships with skeleton Navy crews and automated engineering spaces were used as minesweepers to trigger still-active US pressure mines in Japanese waters. There ships were not Navy ships and were to be disposed and therefore were not assigned Navy hull classifications. Reportedly no active mines were found.

  • SS Pratt Victory
  • SS Joseph Holt
  • SS Marathon

See also

  • Commander Mine Squadron SEVEN
  • Degaussing
  • Minelaying
  • Minesweeping
  • Mine planting
  • List of current ships of the United States Navy
  • List of United States Navy ships
  • - abbreviated list
  • - detailed list
  • Project Hula

References

Citations

Sources

Museum ships

  • USS Hazard (AM-240) - Freedom Park, Omaha, NE
  • USS Lucid (AM-458) - Stockton Maritime Museum, Stockton, CA
  • MSO-483 - Stichting Maritiem Erfgoed Vlissingen, Netherlands