USS Parrot (MSC-197)

USS "Parrot" (AMS-197/MSC-197) was a minesweeper in the United States Navy. She was named after the parrot. "Parrot" was laid down as AMS–197 on 23 December 1953 at Broward Marine Inc., Fort Lauderdale, Florida; launched 27 November 1954; sponsored by Mrs. S. Heuer; reclassified MSC–197 on 7 February 1955; and commissioned 28 June 1955, Lt. (j.g.) R. K. Fontaine in command.

North Atlantic operations

After fitting out and training, "Parrot", along with four other minesweepers, participated in cold weather minesweeping exercises in the North Atlantic. "Parrot" then moved to Charleston, South Carolina, her base for exercises and training operations in the Caribbean and the Gulf Stream. She remained there until January 1958, when she sailed north to participate in her first NATO exercise. Upon completion, she returned to the Caribbean area where she remained into 1961, conducting training exercises and serving as training ship for the Mine Warfare School. In March 1961, she assisted in helping to evaluate the new helicopter method of minesweeping. After completion of this duty, she returned to her training and patrol duties. On 22 October 1962, "Parrot" was ordered to get underway, with no destination being specified. She was later directed to assist in the Cuban Quarantine operation. After this duty, she returned to Charleston. Once again she resumed her training and patrolling duties. On 1 March 1963, she left Charleston with orders to search for the overdue SS|Sulphur Queen. Finding nothing, "Parrot" returned to port on 18 March. Resuming patrol duties and training exercises, "Parrot" also made annual deployments to the Caribbean until August 1968.

Decommissioning and Reassignment

Decommissioned and placed in service 26 September 1968, "Parrot" became a Naval Reserve Training Ship at Atlantic City.

Placed out of service, (date unknown); Struck from the Naval Register, 1 August 1972; Sold by Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service for scrapping, 1 December 1976.

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships
* Falcon class minesweeper
* World War II
* Minesweeper (ship)
* Minesweeping

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/#Anchor-Editoria-14954 Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/05197.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - Parrot (AMS / MSC 197)]
* [http://unitpages.military.com/unitpages/unit.do?id=201266 USS Parrot - MSC 197 - Unit Pages]
* [http://www.historycentral.com/NAVY/Minelayer/parrot.html Parrot MSC-197]
* [http://msc197.bravehost.com/ USS PARROT MSC 197 @ msc197.bravehost.com - A Bravenet.com Hosted Site]