About this Unit
USS Illusive (MSO-448) was an Aggressive-class minesweeper of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1953. Designed for clearing naval mines, she served primarily in the Pacific, participating in training exercises, fleet operations, and joint maneuvers with allied navies during the Cold War. Illusive conducted several Far East deployments, including missions off Korea, Vietnam, and Japan, supporting U.S. Seventh Fleet operations and ensuring safe sea lanes. After decades of service, the ship was decommissioned in 1990 and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register.
Historical Facts
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Namesake and Class: USS Illusive (MSO-448) was the lead ship of her class of ocean minesweepers, known as the Illusive-class, designed for clearing mines in coastal and ocean waters.
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Launch and Commission: She was launched on 12 July 1952 by Martinolich Shipbuilding Company in San Diego, California, and commissioned on 14 November 1953.
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Wooden Hull Construction: Like many minesweepers of her era, Illusive was built with a wooden hull to reduce her magnetic signature and avoid triggering magnetic mines.
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Korean War Service: Although commissioned after the main hostilities ended, Illusive participated in post-Korean War operations, supporting mine-clearing efforts in the region.
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Vietnam War Deployments: The ship served multiple tours off the coast of Vietnam, conducting coastal surveillance and mine-clearing operations in support of U.S. and allied naval operations.
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Pacific Operations: Throughout her career, Illusive was based primarily in the Pacific Fleet, conducting exercises, training, and readiness operations along the U.S. West Coast and in the Pacific.
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Notable Incident: In 1966, Illusive played a role in Operation Market Time, a naval blockade designed to interdict supplies to the Viet Cong in South Vietnam.
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Modernization: During her service, Illusive received numerous upgrades, including improved sonar, navigation, and minesweeping equipment to keep pace with evolving mine threats.
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Decommissioning: USS Illusive was decommissioned on 30 March 1990, after over 36 years of service, and was later struck from the Naval Vessel Register.
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Legacy: The Illusive-class was among the last generation of wooden-hulled minesweepers in the U.S. Navy, marking the end of an era in mine countermeasure ship design.
