Devastator-AM-318

Devastator

One who ravages or lays waste.

(AM-318: dp. 890; 1. 221'2"; b. 32'2"; dr. 10'9";
s. 18 k. cpl. 105; a. 1 3"; cl. Auk)

Devastator (AM-318) was launched 19 April 1943 by General Engineering and Dry Dock Co., Alameda, Calif., sponsored by Mrs. D. A. Shaw; and Commissioned 12 January 1944, Lieutenant Commander R. C. Gloss, USNR, in command.

Devastator arrived at Pearl Harbor 30 March 1944 as escort for a convoy. The next day she began convoy escort duty in Majuro and Kwajalein, which continued until 30 July. During 3 to 17 August she swept off French Frigate Shoal, and after one voyage to Eniwetok from 4 to 25 September, served at Pearl Harbor on training duty for the remainder of the year.

Devastator sailed from Pearl Harbor 27 January 1945 as escort for transports bound for the invasion of Iwo Jima. She participated in preinvasion minesweeping for 3 days before the invasion landings of 19 February then escorted damaged vessel to Saipan, returning to Iwo Jima 1 March to patrol off the island until 7 March.

On 19 March 1945 Devastator got underway from Ulithi for preinvasion minesweeping at Okinawa. She patrolled during and after the invasion and in the heavy suicide attacks of 6 April splashed an enemy plane about 50 yards off her port quarter. On 4 July she cleared Okinawa for minesweeping operations in conjunction with the 3d Fleet raids on the Japanese mainland. She sailed from Okinawa 15 July for Seattle, arriving 12 August for overhaul.

Devastator remained on the west coast for operations except for two extended periods at Pearl Harbor for experiments in hull design development. She was placed out of commission 30 January 1947.

Recommissioned 26 February 1952 Devastator served in the Far East from 8 July 1952 to 5 February 1953 and again from 5 October 1953 to 2 June 1954 carrying out dangerous sweeps in Korean waters. She then operated on the west coast until again placed out of commission in reserve 15 April 1955 She was reclassified MSF-318, 7 February 1956.

Devastator received three battle stars for World War II service and two for Korean War service.