About this Unit
USS Implicit (MSO-455) was an Aggressive-class minesweeper of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1954. Designed for clearing naval mines to ensure safe passage for military and commercial vessels, she played a vital role during the Cold War era. Throughout her service, USS Implicit participated in numerous training exercises and operations in the Pacific, including deployments during the Vietnam War to support mine countermeasure missions. She was decommissioned in 1992, after nearly four decades of dedicated service.
Historical Facts
• Launch and Commissioning: USS Implicit (MSO-455) was launched on 1 October 1953 by Wilmington Boat Works in Wilmington, California, and commissioned on 14 January 1955.
• Ship Class: She was an Agile-class minesweeper, designed for removing naval mines to ensure safe passage for other vessels, especially in coastal waters.
• Vietnam War Service: USS Implicit played a significant role during the Vietnam War, participating in Operation Market Time, which aimed at preventing the flow of supplies to the Viet Cong by sea.
• Far East Deployments: Throughout her active service, Implicit completed multiple deployments to the Western Pacific, operating with the U.S. 7th Fleet and visiting ports in Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
• International Exercises: The vessel regularly participated in joint minesweeping exercises with allied navies, including those of South Korea, Japan, and the Republic of China (Taiwan).
• Technological Upgrades: During her service, Implicit received several upgrades to her minesweeping gear and electronic systems, reflecting advances in mine warfare technology during the Cold War.
• Rescue Operations: The ship assisted in several search and rescue operations, including aiding distressed vessels and supporting recovery missions in the Pacific.
• Decommissioning: USS Implicit was decommissioned on 30 September 1992 after nearly four decades of service and was subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.
• Award Recognition: The ship and her crew earned several awards, including campaign and service medals for her role in Vietnam and other operations.
• Legacy: Although no longer in service, USS Implicit (MSO-455) is remembered as a vital asset in mine countermeasure operations, contributing to U.S. and allied naval security during the tense years of the Cold War and Vietnam War.
