USS Killdeer (AMc-21)

USS Killdeer (AMc-21) was a unique coastal minesweeper acquired by the U.S. Navy for the dangerous task of removing mines from minefields laid in the water to prevent ships from passing.

For other ships with the same name, see USS Killdeer.
USS Killdeer c. 1943
History
United States
Ordered: as Vindicator
Laid down: 1930
Launched: 1930
Acquired: 8 November 1940
Commissioned: 8 November 1940
Decommissioned: 12 September 1944
In service: 25 September 1944
Out of service: date unknown
Stricken: 2 June 1945
Fate: Disposed of, 9 January 1946, fate unknown
General characteristics
Type: Minesweeper
Displacement: 275 tons
Length: 105 ft 7 in (32.18 m)
Beam: 22 ft 10 in (6.96 m)
Draft: 9 ft 8 in (2.95 m)
Speed: 10.0 knots
Complement: 18
Armament: one .50 cal (12.7 mm) machine guns

Killdeer was originally built as a purse seiner in 1930 by Al Larson, Los Angeles, California, with the name of Vindicator; rebuilt in 1940 by Harbor Boat Works, San Pedro, California; acquired by the Navy from her owner, Mr. Martin Trutanich, 8 November 1940; and placed in service the same day as Killdeer.

World War II service

From 9 November 1940 to 17 April 1941 she underwent conversion to AMc-21, and on 8 May 1941 she began service with the 12th Naval District. Operating out of San Francisco, California, Killdeer transferred to the Western Sea Frontier 1 August for further service as a channel minesweeping ship. She continued sweeping shipping lanes in the approaches to San Francisco Bay until 12 September 1944 when she was placed out of service.

Reclassified as IX-194

Reclassified as IX-194 on 25 September, Killdeer was used by the 12th Naval District as a general utility vessel.

Final decommissioning

Her name was struck from the Naval Register 2 June 1945, and she was turned over to the Maritime Commission for disposal 9 January 1946.

References
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