About this Unit
USS OZARK (MCS-2) was originally laid down as LSV-2, a vehicle landing ship, and commissioned in 1944 during World War II. She served in the Pacific Theater, supporting amphibious operations by transporting troops, vehicles, and equipment to combat zones. After the war, OZARK was converted into a mine countermeasures support ship and redesignated MCS-2 in 1955. Throughout her service, she played a vital role in supporting mine warfare operations until her decommissioning in 1974.
Historical Facts
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Multiple Names and Roles: USS Ozark (MCS-2) was originally laid down as USS Ozark (LSV-2), a vehicle landing ship, and later converted into a mine countermeasures support ship.
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World War II Service: Commissioned in 1944, USS Ozark served during World War II, participating in significant operations in the Pacific theater, including the Okinawa campaign.
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Amphibious Operations: During WWII, she was primarily tasked with transporting and deploying troops, vehicles, and equipment for amphibious landings.
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Post-War Conversion: After WWII, the ship was decommissioned but later reactivated and converted into a mine countermeasures command and support ship, being redesignated as MCS-2 in 1966.
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Unique Ship Class: Ozark was one of the Ashland-class dock landing ships, a class designed for amphibious operations, and later became the lead ship of her type in the mine countermeasures role.
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Vietnam War Service: As MCS-2, she supported mine warfare operations during the Vietnam War, providing logistical and operational support for minesweeping craft.
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Innovative Design Features: Ozark featured a large well deck and the capacity to carry and launch landing craft, making her highly versatile for both amphibious and mine warfare roles.
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Namesake: The ship was named after the Ozark Mountains, a highland region in the central United States, following the Navy tradition of naming certain ship types after geographic features.
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Long Service Life: USS Ozark served in various roles from her commissioning in 1944 until her final decommissioning in 1974, spanning three decades of US naval history.
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Final Fate: After decommissioning, the ship was used as a target and ultimately sunk off the coast of Florida in 1981, ending her long and varied career.
