MSO USS SAGASITY

• USS Sagacity (MSO-469) was an Aggressive-class minesweeper of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1955 and primarily tasked with clearing naval mines to ensure safe passage for allied vessels. • The vessel was constructed by Wilmington Boat Works in Wilmington, California, and launched on 17 September 1953. • Her name, Sagacity, means "acuteness of mental discernment and soundness of judgment," reflecting the critical and careful work performed by minesweeper crews. • During her service, USS Sagacity operated extensively along the U.S. East Coast, the Caribbean, and Mediterranean waters, participating in joint exercises with NATO allies. • She played a key role in the U.S. response during the 1958 Lebanon crisis, supporting peacekeeping and stability operations in the region. • USS Sagacity was involved in several major exercises, including Operation Springboard and NATO Exercise Fairgame, showcasing her versatility in mine warfare and fleet support. • The ship was fitted with advanced mine-detection and clearance equipment for her time, including sonar and mechanical sweep devices, enabling her to clear both moored and bottom mines. • USS Sagacity and her crew often worked in hazardous conditions, displaying courage and professionalism while handling volatile mines at close quarters. • The vessel earned a reputation for reliability and effectiveness, receiving multiple commendations for her performance during multinational naval exercises. • After nearly two decades of service, USS Sagacity was decommissioned on 1 July 1972 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1977, closing the chapter on a storied career in mine warfare.