Ordered as Vindicator Acquired 8 November 1940 Decommissioned 12 September 1944 Construction started 1930 Length 32 m | Laid down 1930 Commissioned 8 November 1940 In service 25 September 1944 Launched 1930 Weight 279.4 tons | |
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USS Killdeer (AMc-21) was a unique coastal minesweeper acquired by the U.S. Navy for the dangerous task of removing mines from minefields laid in the water to prevent ships from passing.
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Killdeer was originally built as a purse seiner in 1930 by Al Larson, Los Angeles, California, with the name of Vindicator; rebuilt in 1940 by Harbor Boat Works, San Pedro, California; acquired by the Navy from her owner, Mr. Martin Trutanich, 8 November 1940; and placed in service the same day as Killdeer.
World War II service
From 9 November 1940 to 17 April 1941 she underwent conversion to AMc-21, and on 8 May 1941 she began service with the 12th Naval District. Operating out of San Francisco, California, Killdeer transferred to the Western Sea Frontier 1 August for further service as a channel minesweeping ship. She continued sweeping shipping lanes in the approaches to San Francisco Bay until 12 September 1944 when she was placed out of service.
Reclassified as IX-194
Reclassified as IX-194 on 25 September, Killdeer was used by the 12th Naval District as a general utility vessel.
Final decommissioning
Her name was struck from the Naval Register 2 June 1945, and she was turned over to the Maritime Commission for disposal 9 January 1946.