HISTORY OF THE U.S.S. COMPETENT AM-316

 

The U.S.S. COMPETENT AM-316, was first commissioned on November 10, 1943,

in ceremonies held at Alameda, California, Upon completion of trial runs, the

minesweeper left the States enroute for Pearl Harbor and her first tour of duty.

The COMPETENT began a series of patrols between Pearl Harbor and the Marshalls, insuring safety in our main shipping lanes. The vessel continued on this duty

until her participation in the landings in the Palaus. The COMPETENT then took

part in the assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto and Third Fleet Operations

against Japan.

 

On January 20, 1947, she arrived at San Diego, and was there decommissioned

on January 30, 1947. On April 2, 1947, she was put into the San Diego Reserve

Group in an inactive status.

 

HISTORY OF. THE U.S.S. DEVASTATOR AM.-318

 

The U.S.S, DEVASTATOR, AM-318, was first commissioned on January 12, l944.

After training and shakedown the ship proceeded for the battle area. The

DEVASTATOR first saw action at Iwo Jima, sweeping the waters there before "D"

Day, The vessel took part in the minesweeping operation off Okinawa and served

as a picket ship around the island. It was during this duty that one of three

planes shot down by the DEVASTATOR nosed into the sea so close to the ship that

the plane' s motor bounced off the port bow, punching a jagged hole at the water

line. Another tics a torpedo passed directly under the shallow-draft nine-

sweeper.

 

By Directive dated December, 1946, the U.S.S, DEVASTATOR was decommissioned and attached to the Pacific Reserve Fleet.

 

HISTORY OF THE U.S.S. GLADIATOR AM-319

 

The keel of the U.S.S. GLADIATOR, AM-319, was laid In January, 1942, and

the vessel was launched in May, 1943. The U.S.S. GLADIATOR was commissioned

on February 25, 1944, Shakedown and routine training was accomplished and the

ship and crew were ready for action The GLADIATOR started its wartime career

with the assault end occupation of Okinawa Gusto and then joined the Third

Fleet Operations against Japan continuing that duty to the end of World War II.

 

The U.S.S. GUDIATOR, AM-319 was placed in reserve, out of commission, in March, 1946.

 

Chain of Command Page 3