USS YMS-324, a 270-ton auxiliary motor minesweeper, was built at Terminal Island, California. Commissioned in February 1944, she served in the Pacific during World War II, taking part in the Peleliu and Okinawa invasions. In February 1947, she was redesignated a motor minesweeper (AMS) and renamed Gull (AMS-16).
Gull deployed to Japan in the Fall of 1947. During the Korean War, she was very active sweeping mines in the combat zone and remained in the Western Pacific following the July 1953 Korean Armistice. In mid-1954 Gull began conversion to a coastal minehunter and was redesignated AMCU-46 (changed to MHC-46 in February 1955). She returned to United States' waters in May 1955, operating off southern California until decommissioned in January 1958. USS Gull was disposed of in March 1959.
This page features views of USS YMS-324 and USS Gull (AMS-16, AMCU-46 & MHC-46).
If you want higher resolution reproductions than the digital images presented here, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."
Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.
Photo #: NH 91923 USS YMS-324 Underway, probably shortly after her completion in early 1944. This ship later became USS Gull (AMS-16). Naval Historical Center Photograph. Online Image: 128KB; 740 x 610 pixels |
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Photo #: NH 79694 USS YMS-324 In San Francisco Bay, California, after the end of World War II, circa 1945-46. This ship became USS Gull (AMS-16) in 1947. Courtesy of Donald M. McPherson, 1974. Naval Historical Center Photograph. Online Image: 79KB; 740 x 580 pixels |
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Photo #: 80-G-423775 USS Swallow (AMS-36) and USS Gull (AMS-16) Tied up at Chinnampo, North Korea, in November 1950, after taking part in clearing a channel more that sixty miles from out in the Yellow Sea and up the Taedong River to that city. Note flags and sweep gear at the ships' sterns, including depressors hanging over the transoms, otters on deck and floats and cable reels further forward. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives. Online Image: 121KB; 740 x 610 pixels Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system. |
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Photo #: 80-G-430072 USS Gull (AMS-16) Sweeping for mines during a commando raid by British Royal Marines at Chinnampo, North Korea. Original photo is dated 15 June 1951. This operation was intended to cut rail and other enemy supply lines. Note lookout watching for mines off Gull's bow. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives. Online Image: 85KB; 740 x 610 pixels Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system. |
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Photo #: NH 68589 USS LST-735 (at right) Serving as "mother ship" for seven minesweepers, probably in a Japanese port, circa 1952-54. Ships nested alongside are (from left): USS Gull (AMS-16); USS Firecrest (AMS-10); USS Condor (AMS-5); USS Merganser (AMS-26); USS Osprey (AMS-28); USS Competent (AM-316) and USS Chief (AM-315). Courtesy of the U.S. Naval Institute, James C. Fahey Collection. Naval Historical Center Photograph. Online Image: 83KB; 740 x 605 pixels |
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If you want higher resolution reproductions than the digital images presented here, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."
4 September 1999