Inflict AM-251

Inflict I

Cause to suffer; impose.

(AM-251: dp. 530 1. 184'6"; b. 33', dr. 9'9"; s. 15 k.; cgl. 101; a. 1 3" 4 40 mm., 6 20mm., 2 dct., 3 dcp.; cl.Admirable)

The first Inflict (AM-251), was laid down 26 October 1943 by Savannah Machine & Foundry Co., Savannah, Gal, launched 16 January 1944; and commissioned 28 August 1944, Lt. Comdr. Sherman B. Wetmore in command.

After shakedown and minesweeping exercises off the Virginia coast, Inflict arrived Casco Bay, Maine, 30 October for antisubmarine warfare exercises. Following upkeep at Norfolk, she arrived Miami 1 December for duty as training school ship. Inpict trained student officers until 1 April 1945 when she sailed for the West Coast, arriving San Diego 5 May. Two days later she sailed for the Far East, and engaged in convoy escort duty and minesweeping off Okinawa while American units ashore fought doggedly against fierce and determined opposition. After Americans finally snuffed out the last resistance and declared the island secured 21 June, Inflict operated out of it as a base. From 13 to 23 August she swept minefields off Ryushu clearing the way for vessels bringing American occupation forces. She then returned to Okinawa to prepare for occupation duty.

As the greatest sea war in history ended in Allied victory, Inflict departed Okinawa 30 August for operations in Korea, Formosa, and Japan, remaining there until January 1946

The minesweeper returned to San Pedro, Calif., 17 February for training and readiness operations. After a summer cruise to Guam and Pearl Harbor, she arrived Bremerton, Wash., in mid-October, decommissioning there 6 November 1946. Inflict was transferred to the Maritime Commission 8 October 1948 and released to her purchaser, Ricardo Granja, the same day.

Inflict received three battle stars for World War II service.