USS Spear

• USS Spear (AM-322) was an Auk-class minesweeper built for the United States Navy during World War II, commissioned on 31 March 1944. • The ship was constructed at the General Engineering & Dry Dock Company in Alameda, California, highlighting West Coast shipbuilding efforts during the war. • USS Spear participated in the pivotal Battle of Okinawa, providing minesweeping support to clear safe passages for invasion forces from March to June 1945. • During her service at Okinawa, the ship endured frequent Japanese air attacks, including kamikaze raids, but emerged without major damage. • USS Spear played a crucial role in postwar minesweeping operations in Japanese and East China Sea waters, helping to reopen vital shipping lanes after V-J Day. • The ship earned three battle stars for her World War II service, recognizing her significant contributions to Allied operations in the Pacific Theater. • After World War II, USS Spear was decommissioned in 1946 but later transferred to the Mexican Navy in 1962, where she served under the name ARM Ignacio de la Llave (C72). • USS Spear was part of a broader U.S. Navy effort to transfer surplus ships to allied navies during the Cold War, strengthening regional security and international cooperation. • Her work in minesweeping required immense skill and bravery, as these ships were often the first to enter dangerous, mined waters ahead of larger combat vessels. • The legacy of USS Spear is commemorated by her crew and naval historians, and her story illustrates the often-overlooked but vital role of minesweepers in ensuring the success of amphibious operations and maritime safety.