USS Leader (MSO-490)

• Class and Type: USS Leader (MSO-490) was an Agile-class minesweeper built for the United States Navy, specializing in detecting and removing naval mines. • Laid Down and Commissioned: Leader was laid down on 28 February 1954 by J. M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp., Tacoma, Washington, launched on 3 June 1955, and commissioned on 28 September 1955. • Korean War Aftermath: Though commissioned after the Korean War, the ship was part of a new generation of minesweepers prompted by lessons learned from the heavy mine warfare during that conflict. • Vietnam War Service: USS Leader saw action off the coast of Vietnam, conducting mine countermeasure operations and supporting coastal surveillance, especially during Operation Market Time. • Homeport: The ship was based out of Long Beach, California, throughout much of its career, conducting operations in the Pacific and along the U.S. West Coast. • Hull Construction: As with other ships in her class, Leader featured a wooden hull and non-ferrous metals to minimize the risk of detonating magnetic mines. • International Exercises: USS Leader participated in several joint exercises with allied navies, including operations with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Republic of Korea Navy. • Humanitarian Assistance: The minesweeper was involved in search and rescue operations and provided assistance to vessels in distress during her deployments. • Decommissioning: USS Leader was decommissioned on 23 September 1991 after over 35 years of service, reflecting the end of the era for wooden-hulled minesweepers in the U.S. Navy. • Fate: After decommissioning, Leader was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 8 May 1992 and was sold for scrapping in 2000, marking the end of her naval legacy.