USS Prowess (AM-280)

USS "Prowess" (AM-280) was an Admirable-class minesweeper 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 Atlantic Ocean. At war's end she was converted into a training ship for U.S. Naval Reserve personnel.

"Prowess" was laid down 15 September 1943 by Gulf Shipbuilding Corp., Chickasaw, Alabama; launched 17 February 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Thomas W. Rubottom; and commissioned 27 September 1944, Lt. Comdr. J. W. Meire in command.

World War II Atlantic operations

Following shakedown out of Little Creek, Virginia, "Prowess" escorted USS Pontiac (AF-20) from Boston, Massachusetts, to Bermuda, departing Boston 14 December 1944. Upon returning to Little Creek, she trained minesweeper personnel from 1 January 1945 to 31 August. Departing Little Creek 3 October, she participated in festivities honoring Admiral Nimitz at Washington, D.C., in early October. After a visit to Wilmington, Delaware, she returned to Norfolk, Virginia.

Deactivation

"Prowess" entered the Atlantic Reserve Fleet in December 1945. She was reclassified MSF-280 on 7 February 1955. Assigned a homeport of Buffalo, New York, from 1 September 1965 and reclassified as an Unclassified Miscellaneous Auxiliary IX-305 on 1 March 1966, she has served as a naval reserve training ship from February 1962 into 1970.

She was transferred to South Vietnam, 4 June 1970 as Ha Hoi (HQ 13) and struck from the Naval Register in 1970. Fate unknown.

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships
* World War II
* Patrol boat
* Minelayer
* minesweeper
* List of Admirable class minesweepers

External links

*cite web | accessdate= 2008-02-18
url= http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/p12/prowess.htm
title= "Prowess"
work= DANFS
publisher= U.S. Naval Historical Center
*cite web | accessdate= 2008-02-18
url= http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/02280.htm
title= "Prowess"
work= Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive | publisher= NavSource Online