About this Unit
USS Persistent (MSO-491) was an Agile-class minesweeper of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1955. Built to detect and clear naval mines, she operated primarily along the U.S. West Coast and deployed to the Western Pacific, participating in exercises and supporting fleet operations during the Cold War. Persistent served with dedication, enhancing mine warfare readiness and participating in joint operations with allied navies. After decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1993, contributing significantly to maritime safety and naval mine countermeasures.
Historical Facts
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Launch and Commissioning: USS Persistent (MSO-491) was launched on 28 February 1955 by the J. M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corporation in Tacoma, Washington, and commissioned into the U.S. Navy on 7 December 1955.
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Class and Purpose: She was an Aggressive-class minesweeper, designed specifically to detect and clear naval mines, ensuring safe passage for other vessels.
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Name Significance: The ship’s name, “Persistent,” reflects the determined and ongoing effort required in the dangerous work of mine countermeasures.
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West Coast Operations: Persistent was primarily homeported on the U.S. West Coast, operating out of Long Beach, California, and participating in numerous training exercises along the Pacific coast.
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Far East Deployments: She deployed multiple times to the Western Pacific, operating with the U.S. Seventh Fleet and participating in joint exercises with allied navies, including the Republic of Korea and the Republic of China.
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Vietnam War Service: During the Vietnam War, Persistent conducted patrols and mine-clearing operations off the coast of Vietnam, contributing to the safety of U.S. and allied naval operations.
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Wooden Hull: Like other ships in her class, Persistent was constructed with a wooden hull and non-magnetic materials to reduce the risk of triggering magnetic mines.
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Rescue Missions: On several occasions, she assisted in the rescue of fishermen and other vessels in distress, demonstrating her crew’s versatility and readiness beyond mine warfare.
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Decommissioning: USS Persistent was decommissioned on 1 October 1976 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register the same day, after more than 20 years of service.
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Final Fate: After decommissioning, Persistent was sold for scrapping in 1977, marking the end of her career but leaving a legacy of dedicated service in mine countermeasures and naval safety.
