USS VALOR (AM-472)

• Name and Class: USS Valor (AM-472) was an Aggressive-class minesweeper built for the United States Navy. • Construction: Her keel was laid down on 31 October 1952 by the Luders Marine Construction Co. in Stamford, Connecticut. • Launch and Commission: USS Valor was launched on 29 August 1953 and commissioned into service on 29 September 1954. • Primary Mission: The vessel was designed for the dangerous task of removing mines from minefields laid in the water to prevent ships from passing. • Cold War Service: Valor served during the Cold War era, a period marked by heightened tensions and the need for constant naval readiness. • Service Area: She primarily operated along the eastern seaboard of the United States and in the Caribbean, participating in training exercises and fleet maneuvers. • Reclassification: On 7 February 1955, she was reclassified as MSO-472 (Mine Sweeper, Ocean). • Decommissioning: USS Valor was decommissioned on 31 October 1972 after nearly two decades of service. • Fate: After being struck from the Navy list on 1 November 1977, she was eventually sold for scrap in 1980. • Legacy: Though not involved in major combat, Valor and her crew played a vital role in maintaining sea lanes' safety and readiness during a critical period of naval history.