About this Unit
USS Prime (MSO-466) was an Agile-class minesweeper of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1954. Built to detect and clear naval mines, she served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, participating in numerous training exercises and fleet operations during the Cold War. USS Prime was actively involved in supporting U.S. operations in the Western Pacific, including deployments to the waters off Vietnam during the Vietnam War. She was decommissioned in 1971 and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register, marking the end of her dedicated service to maritime security.
Historical Facts
• USS Prime (MSO-466) Overview: USS Prime was an Aggressive-class minesweeper of the United States Navy, specifically designed for clearing naval mines to ensure safe passage for military and civilian ships.
• Construction and Commissioning: USS Prime was laid down on 20 January 1953 by J. M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. in Tacoma, Washington, launched on 27 August 1954, and commissioned on 11 June 1955.
• Wooden Hull Design: Like other Aggressive-class minesweepers, USS Prime featured a wooden hull and non-magnetic materials to reduce the risk of detonating magnetic mines.
• Pacific Fleet Service: Throughout her career, USS Prime was primarily assigned to the Pacific Fleet, operating out of Long Beach, California, and later out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
• Far East Deployments: The ship made several deployments to the Western Pacific, participating in joint exercises with allied navies and supporting U.S. operations during the Cold War era.
• Vietnam War Role: USS Prime played a significant role during the Vietnam War, conducting mine-clearing operations and patrols along the coast of South Vietnam to protect American and allied shipping.
• Humanitarian Missions: In addition to combat duties, Prime was involved in humanitarian missions, including search-and-rescue operations and assisting vessels in distress.
• Technological Upgrades: Over her service life, Prime received multiple upgrades to her sonar and minesweeping equipment, adapting to evolving mine warfare technology.
• Decommissioning and Fate: USS Prime was decommissioned on 30 September 1977 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register, marking the end of her active service.
• Legacy: The Aggressive-class minesweepers, including USS Prime, are remembered for their vital contributions to naval mine countermeasures, safeguarding countless lives and supporting U.S. naval operations during the tense periods of the Cold War and Vietnam War.
