USS Rival (AM-468:MSO-468)

• USS Rival (AM-468/MSO-468) was an Agile-class minesweeper: She belonged to a class of 58 ocean-going minesweepers built for the U.S. Navy during the Cold War, designed to detect and remove naval mines. • Laid down in 1952: USS Rival’s keel was laid on January 1, 1952, by Luders Marine Construction Company in Stamford, Connecticut. • Commissioned in 1954: She was commissioned on August 3, 1954, and soon joined the U.S. Atlantic Fleet for minesweeping and training duties. • Homeported in Charleston, South Carolina: Rival was based out of Charleston for much of her career, participating in local and Atlantic operations. • Redesignated MSO-468 in 1955: Originally designated as AM-468 (Auxiliary Mine), she was redesignated as a “Mine Sweeper, Ocean” in February 1955. • Cold War service: USS Rival operated during the tense years of the Cold War, supporting fleet exercises, NATO operations, and maintaining readiness against Soviet naval mines. • Deployment to the Mediterranean: She took part in at least one Mediterranean deployment with the U.S. 6th Fleet, contributing to NATO and Allied naval exercises. • Accidental fire in 1961: On 5 November 1961, Rival suffered a fire in her main engine room while off the coast of South Carolina, but her crew’s quick action prevented catastrophic loss. • Decommissioned in 1970: After 16 years of service, USS Rival was decommissioned on July 2, 1970, and struck from the Navy List on February 1, 1971. • Final fate: After being sold for scrap in 1971, USS Rival’s legacy lives on as part of the U.S. Navy’s effort to keep shipping lanes safe during the Cold War era.