About this Unit
USS TERCEL (AM-386) was an Auk-class minesweeper commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Shortly after her commissioning, she served in the Pacific Theater, conducting minesweeping operations to clear naval mines left after World War II. Following post-war duties, TERCEL was decommissioned in 1947 but later recommissioned for service during the Korean War, participating in training exercises and fleet operations along the U.S. East Coast and in the Caribbean. The vessel was finally decommissioned in 1957 and struck from the Navy list in 1966.
Historical Facts
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World War II Service: USS TERCEL (AM-386) was launched on May 5, 1945, near the end of World War II, and commissioned on July 23, 1945, as an Auk-class minesweeper.
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Late to the War: Due to her late commissioning, TERCEL did not see combat service during World War II but was part of the Navy’s postwar efforts.
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Post-War Operations: After shakedown, TERCEL performed minesweeping operations in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic, helping to clear wartime mines and ensure safe navigation.
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Korean War Recommission: The ship was decommissioned in 1947 but recommissioned in 1951 in response to the Korean War, reflecting the importance of minesweepers in Cold War naval strategy.
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Atlantic Fleet Assignments: TERCEL served with the Atlantic Fleet Mine Force, conducting training exercises, mine warfare drills, and participating in NATO operations along the East Coast and the Caribbean.
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Hurricane Hazel Rescue: In October 1954, TERCEL played a role in rescue and relief operations after Hurricane Hazel struck the East Coast, demonstrating the versatility of minesweepers in peacetime disasters.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, TERCEL was deployed as part of the U.S. naval quarantine, prepared to clear mines and support blockade operations.
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Technology Demonstrator: The ship participated in experimental mine warfare techniques and was involved in the testing of new mine countermeasures during the 1950s and 1960s.
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Decommissioning and Fate: USS TERCEL was decommissioned on January 1, 1970, struck from the Navy list on February 1, 1972, and eventually sold for scrap, ending over two decades of service.
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Legacy: Despite her relatively quiet service, TERCEL represents the essential but often overlooked role of minesweepers in maintaining sea lanes, supporting amphibious operations, and responding to emergencies.
