USS Notable (MSO-460)

USS "Notable" (AM-460/MSO-460) was an "Aggressive"-class minesweeper acquired by the U.S. Navy for the task of removing mines that had been placed in the water to prevent the safe passage of ships.

The second "Notable" ("MSO-460") was laid down 8 June 1953 by Higgins, Inc., New Orleans, Louisiana; launched 15 October 1954 sponsored by Mrs. deLesseps G. Morrison, wife of the Mayor of New Orleans; and commissioned 8 June 1955, Lt. John E. Murdock in command.

East Coast operations

Following shakedown out of Charleston, South Carolina, "Notable" served as training ship for the Navy School of Mine Warfare, Norfolk, Virginia. Returning to Charleston 18 November 1955, the mine sweeper operated with the U.S. 2nd Fleet in the Western Atlantic Ocean for the next two years, and then, on 9 January 1958, deployed to the Mediterranean for a six months cruise with the U.S. 6th Fleet, returning 23 June. Temporarily assigned to the Loran "B" Experimental Development Force in October and November 1958, "Notable" operated off the U.S. East Coast until 18 September 1959 when she entered Norfolk Navy Yard for overhaul.

North Atlantic operations

Engaging in Atlantic Ocean amphibious exercises in early 1960, and her second six months deployment to the Mediterranean, the ship departed Charleston in January 1961 for minesweeping exercises and a Caribbean cruise. Calling at ports in the Virgin Islands and the British West Indies, "Notable" sailed to Cape Canaveral, Florida, in April to assist Project Mercury Forces in the launching of America's first man in space, Lt. Comdr. Alan B. Shepard, USN. For the remainder of the year, the minesweeper operated off Florida, overhauling at Jacksonville, Florida, from July to October and deploying 6 January 1962 for another Caribbean cruise. She returned to Charleston 1 May, and operated off the Atlantic coast patrolling during the Cuban Missile Crisis in November 1962. On 17 September 1963 "Notable", in company with other ships of Mine Division 85 departed Charleston for the Mediterranean.

Caribbean and Mediterranean operations

The minesweeper returned to Charleston 1 March 1964 and on completion of overhaul commenced training operations with various mine warfare units. She deployed to the Caribbean 11 September to 6 December, and after operations off the U.S. East Coast, departed Charleston 24 January 1966 for her fourth Mediterranean deployment. Arriving Rota, Spain, 21 February, the ship was immediately ordered to participate in the search for a nuclear bomb lost in an air collision off Palomares. The minesweeper remained on this duty until salvage was completed 30 March. She then made goodwill visits to ports in Italy and France, and participated in intensive amphibious training until returning to Charleston 14 July.

Later operations

"Notable" sailed 19 September for extensive minesweeping exercises off New England. This operation was immediately followed by a cruise to Puerto Rico where she joined other U.S. 2nd Fleet ships in "Operation LantFlex66", a full-scale mock invasion of Vieques Island. The minesweeper returned to Charleston 15 December and operated out of there for the next year.

Decommissioning

"Notable" was decommissioned (date unknown) and was stricken from the Navy List 1 February 1971. She was sold for scrap in 1971.

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships
* Minesweeper (ship)

External links

* [http://www.hazegray.org/danfs/mine/mso460.htm Notable]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/02460.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - Notable (MSO 460) - ex-AM-460]