USS Pledge (MSO-492)

• USS Pledge (MSO-492) was an Aggressive-class minesweeper built for the U.S. Navy, launched on 23 September 1954 and commissioned on 20 October 1955. • The ship was constructed by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. in Tacoma, Washington, reflecting the Cold War era's focus on mine warfare capabilities. • USS Pledge's primary mission was to detect and remove naval mines, ensuring safe passage for military and commercial ships during both peacetime and conflict. • She was the second U.S. Navy ship to bear the name "Pledge"; the first was USS Pledge (AM-277), which was sunk during the Korean War in 1950. • Pledge participated in multiple training exercises and deployments with the U.S. 7th Fleet in the Western Pacific, supporting American presence during tense periods in the region. • She conducted joint operations with allied navies, particularly with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force and South Korean Navy, enhancing interoperability in mine warfare. • During her service, Pledge operated in challenging conditions, including typhoons and rough seas, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of the Aggressive-class design. • Pledge was equipped with advanced (for the time) minesweeping gear, including mechanical, acoustic, and magnetic sweep systems to counter various types of naval mines. • The ship was decommissioned on 1 October 1990, after 35 years of service, and was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 1 October 1990. • After decommissioning, USS Pledge (MSO-492) was transferred to Taiwan under the Security Assistance Program, where she served in the Republic of China Navy as ROCS Yung Kang (M-1308).