USS Bombard (AM-151)

USS "Bombard" (AM-151) was an built for the U.S. Navy during World War II. She was built to clear minefields in offshore waters, and served the Navy in the Pacific Ocean before being given to the Soviets under the lend-lease program.

She was laid down on 7 December 1942 at Tampa, Florida, by the Tampa Shipbuilding Co., Inc.; launched on 23 February 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Vivian Broadwater; and commissioned on 31 May 1944, Lt. David M. Elder, USNR, in command.

World War II Pacific Ocean operations

After shakedown training, "Bombard" transited the Panama Canal at the end of July. From there, she voyaged directly to Samoa, departing the Panama Canal Zone on 1 August and arriving at Tutuila on the 29th. On 2 September, the minesweeper left Tutuila bound ultimately for Alaska. Along the way, the warship made stops at Pearl Harbor and San Francisco, California, before arriving in Alaskan waters at the end of the first week in November. Minesweeping exercises, patrols, and convoy escort missions kept her busy until the following summer.

Transfer to the Soviet Union

On 18 July 1945, "Bombard" was decommissioned at Cold Bay, Alaska, and transferred to the Soviet Navy under the provisions of the lend lease program. The Soviet Union never returned her. The U.S. Navy carried her on its Navy List for almost 40 years, even redesignating her MSF-151 on 7 February 1955. Her name was struck from the Navy List on 1 January 1983. She was believed to have been scrapped in 1956.

References

ee also

* List of United States Navy ships
* Patrol boat
* Minelayer

External links

* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/02151.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - Bombard (MSF 151) - ex-AM-151 - ex-AMc-128]