USS Inflict (AM-456)

USS "Inflict" (AM-456/MSO-456) was an "Aggressive"-class minesweeper acquired by the U.S. Navy for the task of removing mines that had been placed in the water to prevent the safe passage of ships.

The second ship to be named "Inflict" by the Navy, "AM-456" was launched 16 October 1953 by Wilmington Boat Works, Inc., Wilmington, California; sponsored by Mrs. Robert E. Carlson; and commissioned 11 May 1954, Lt. G. T. Ragon in command.

West Coast operations

After shakedown along the U.S. West Coast, "Inflict" engaged in sonar and minesweeping exercises until she departed Long Beach, California, 1 July for the western Pacific Ocean. Arriving Yokosuka, Japan 5 August she began operations with the navies of South Korea, Nationalist China, and Japan, In February 1955 she was reclassified "MSO 456". "Inflict" returned to Long Beach 17 February 1956 and spent the remainder of the year on training operations.

Second Far East tour

During 1957 "Inflict" continued operations off California and Mexico, helping to maintain one of America's mighty antisubmarine warfare forces. The minesweeper sailed 3 January 1958 for duty in the Far East. She arrived there as a crisis loomed in Indonesia. The strength of this mighty armada made itself felt as the crisis diminished quickly without incident.

During her tour "Inflict" participated in joint exercises with the Philippine, Thailand, and Chinese Nationalist navies before returning to Long Beach 15 July.

West Coast exercises

For the next 20 months she remained in California waters constantly training to keep at peak readiness. "Inflict" sailed 3 May 1960 for joint operations with our Asian allies, remaining there for the next 6 months as a symbol of joint naval co-operation for security of the Free World. She resumed to Long Beach 16 November. During 1961, "Inflict" was engaged in minesweeping operations and midshipman training out of Long Beach. She sailed 7 April 1962 for exercises in Hawaiian waters, returning to Long Beach 17 August. In 1963, in addition to her training in California waters, "Inflict" sailed 28 October for joint countermeasure exercises with Canada. Returning to Long Beach 3 December she resumed operations out of Long Beach until 22 May 1964 when she sailed for duty in the Far East. "Inflict" again operated with the friendly navies of Asia, and during the summer was deployed for service along South Vietnam, as our support of that embattled republic was increased to assist its struggle against aggression. "Inflict" returned to Long Beach 7 December.

Supporting Market Time operations

She sailed for the Far East 7 February 1966. Arriving Subic Bay 28 March, she headed for her "Market Time" station 5 April and remained on patrol preventing the infiltration of arms and men from North Vietnam to the south. Except for brief interludes, she continued this important duty until she left the war zone 1 November and returned to Long Beach 13 December.

"Inflict" operated on the West Coast through mid-1967.

Persian Gulf Service

"Inflict", USS Fearless (MSO-442) and USS Illusive (MSO-448) were towed to the Gulf of Oman by USS Grapple (ARS-53) departing Little Creek, Virginia on September 6, 1987. Traveling via the Suez Canal and arriving in the Gulf of Oman November 2, 1987. At the time, the 9000 nautical mile trip was the longest distance three ships were towed by one. [ [http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/g/ars-53/1987.pdf "Grapple" ships history 1987] ] "Implicit" would remain in the Gulf to support of Operation Earnest Will.

Decommissioning

Decommissioned 30 March 1990 "Inflict" was stricken 23 May 1990 and disposed of by Navy sale 1 December 1992, for scrapping for $12,000.

References

*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/i2/inflict-ii.htm
*NVR|http://www.nvr.navy.mil/nvrships/details/MSO456.htm

External links

* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/02456.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - Inflict (MSO 456) - ex-AM-456]