USS Jacana (AMS-193)

USS Jacana (AMS-193) was a "Falcon"-class motor minesweeper acquired by the U.S. Navy for clearing coastal minefields.

"Jacana" was launched as AMS-193 25 February 1954 by Quincy Adams Yacht Yard, Quincy, Massachusetts; sponsored by Mrs. Dorothy M. Deehan; reclassified MSC-193 on 7 February 1955, and commissioned 10 March 1955, Lt. (j.g.) W. W. Jordan in command.

East Coast operations

After shakedown, "Jacana" arrived Charleston, South Carolina, her home port, 28 May 1955; and, during the year, engaged in tactical training and experimental exercises part of the Navy's ceaseless activity to maintain a superior-readiness capability that incorporates every modern technological advance. The motor minesweeper arrived at her new home port, Yorktown, Virginia, 18 January 1957, and commenced mine warfare exercises in the Chesapeake Bay.

In addition to participating in mine warfare operations, "Jacana" performed important search and rescue missions for downed aircraft and engaged in amphibious exercises off Onslow Beach, North Carolina. She continued in this series of operations until 28 April 1962, when she proceeded to Port Everglades, Florida, for duty with the Naval Ordnance Laboratory Test Facility. After her mine evaluating mission and Caribbean exercises were completed, "Jacana" sailed for Halifax late September to participate in joint American-Canadian maneuvers. Soon after this exercise, the Cuban crisis brought a showdown with communism. "Jacana" remained on alert through November.

From 1963 to 1967 "Jacana" operated along the Atlantic Ocean coast, engaging in mine exercises, amphibious training, search and rescue operations, and duty with the Naval Mine Defense Laboratory in Florida

Decommissioning

"Jacana" was transferred to Indonesia in 1971 and renamed "Pulau Aruan" (M 718). She was struck from the Naval Register, 1 May 1976 and sold, 1 September 1976. Fate: unknown.

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships
* Minesweeper

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/#Anchor-Editoria-14954 Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/05193.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - AMS / MSC-193 Jacana]