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USS Defense (AM-317)

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060

 

Online Library of Selected Images: -- U.S. NAVY SHIPS -- USS Defense (AM-317, later MSF-317), 1944-1973

USS Defense, an 890-ton Auk class minesweeper, was built at Alameda, California, and commissioned in January 1944. She served in the Pacific during World War II, including participation in the Iwo Jima and Okinawa campaigns. On 6 April 1945, despite having been hit by two Kamikazes off Okinawa, she assisted two badly damaged destroyers, towing one to the Kerama Retto anchorage. Following repairs Defense took part in the occupation of Japan. She returned to the United States in April 1946 and decommissioned a month later.

Defense recommissioned in February 1952, in response to the Korean War crisis. She deployed to the Far East for two tours of duty in 1952-53 and 1953-54, taking part in combat operations off Korea during the first deployment. Reclassified MSF-317 in February 1955, she decommissioned in April of that year. After nearly two decades in the Reserve Fleet, USS Defense was transferred to Mexico in 1973. She has since served in that nation's navy under the name Manuel Doblado.

The following picture's are from  Don Smith “Wish I could remember the names.”