USS Gavia (AM-363)

USS Gavia (AM-363) was an Admirable-class minesweeper built for the U.S. Navy during World War II. She was built to clear minefields in offshore waters. Post-war, her crew returned home with the satisfaction of having two battle stars to their credit.

"Gavia" was laid down as PCE-907 on 8 July 1943 by Willamette Iron & Steel Corp., Portland Oregon, launched 18 September 1943 sponsored by Mrs. James E. Ray; reclassified as AM-363 on 27 September 1943; and commissioned as "Gavia" (AM-363) 23 July 1945, Lt. K. P. Billhardt in command.

End-of-war Pacific Theatre activity

After trials in the Columbia River "Gavia" departed Astoria, Oregon, 10 August 1945 for mine warfare exercises at San Pedro and San Diego, California. She departed San Pedro 26 September and reached Honolulu 4 October 1945.

After additional minesweeping training in Hawaiian waters, she departed Pearl Harbor 26 October for minesweeping operations in the Far East. Proceeding, via Eniwetok and Saipan she arrived Wakayama, Japan, 27 November.

Steaming to Sasebo 3 December, "Gavia" spent the remainder of the month sweeping for mines in Tsushima Strait, Okino Shima, Tachabana Wan. She continued minesweeping exercises at Sasebo until 17 February 1946 then sailed for Buckner Bay, Okinawa.

After serving as reference ship for Japanese minesweepers clearing waters off Miyako Jima, she arrived Subic Bay 19 March and removed her ordnance gear. She departed 9 April and reached Shanghai 13 April.

Post-war decommissioning

She decommissioned there 29 May 1946 and was turned over to the State Department for transfer to the Chinese Maritime Customs as "Yung Chun". Her name was struck from the Navy List 19 July 1946.

Awards

"Gavia" received two battle stars for World War II service.

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships
* World War II
* Patrol boat
* Minelayer
* Minesweeper

External links

* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/02363.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - Gavia (AM 363) - ex-PCE-907]