USS Redwing (AMS-200)

The USS Redwing (AMS-200/MSC-200) was a "Bluebird"-class minesweeper in the United States Navy.

"Redwing" was laid down 1 July 1953 by Tampa Marine Co., Tampa, Florida; launched 29 April 1954 as AMS-200; sponsored by Mrs. Courtney W. Campbell, wife of U.S. Representative Campbell of Florida; and commissioned 7 January 1955, Lt. R. L. Anderson in command.

East Coast Assignment

Assigned to the Atlantic Fleet, "Redwing" arrived Charleston, South Carolina, 23 January 1955. Reclassified a coastal minesweeper, MSC-200 on 7 February, she underwent shakedown out of Key West, Florida, commencing 3 March. Returning via Mayport, Florida, to search for downed aircraft, she arrived Charleston 20 April and commenced minesweeping operations with various units of the Fleet. "Redwing" arrived Panama City, Florida, 5 July and provided services to the Mine Defense Laboratory through 9 September. She then joined USS Tonawanda (AN-89) for special development operations at Key West before returning to Charleston 22 September. "Redwing" continued to operate out of Charleston until January 1957, participating in minesweeping and amphibious training exercises as far south as Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and Vieques, Puerto Rico. She departed Charleston 16 January to provide services for the Naval Mine Warfare School at Yorktown, Virginia, and to operate under the Amphibious Training Command, Little Creek, Virginia. She then conducted surveys in Boston Channel beginning 3 October, followed by exercises along the New Jersey coast in January 1958. Departing New York 25 February for exercises as far south as Key West, Florida, she returned to Boston, Massachusetts, 21 March and for the next year provided services for the Destroyer Development Group in Narragansett Bay.

Decommissioning

"Redwing" departed Boston 26 February 1959 en route Norfolk, Virginia, for overhaul in preparation for transfer to Spain. Decommissioned at Norfolk 16 June 1959, she was struck from the Navy list and transferred to the Spanish Navy as Sil (M-29) effective 18 June 1959.

References

ee also

* List of United States Navy ships
* World War II
* Minelayer
* minesweeper
* Minesweeping

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/#Anchor-Editoria-14954 Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/05idx.htm Mine Warfare Ship Photo Archives]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/05200.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - Redwing (MSC 200) - ex-AMS-200]