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USS Ruddy (AM-380)
Encyclopedia
USS Ruddy (AM-380) was an Auk-class
minesweeper
acquired by the U.S. Navy for the dangerous task of removing mines from minefields laid in the water to prevent ships from passing. She was the only U.S. Navy ship named for the North America
n Ruddy Duck
.
; launched 29 October 1944; sponsored by Mrs. John Zerolis; and commissioned 28 April 1945, Lt. Comdr. William H. Rothwell II, USNR, in command.
in Chesapeake Bay
and on 27 July 1945 departed Little Creek, Virginia, for Okinawa. Arriving at Buckner Bay on 27 September, she escorted the Miiilicoma (AO-73)
to Sasebo
, Japan
, destroying two Japanese mines with rifle fire en route. During October, she returned to the Ryukyus; but, on the 26th, was back off Sasebo to commence sweeping operations in the "Klondike" area off that port. Detached on 8 November, she provided courier service; supervised YMS operations; and carried freight between Okinawa and Sasebo until the new year. In January 1946, she again conducted minesweeping operations.
On 17 February, Ruddy sailed for the Marshall Islands
. At Bikini Atoll
from 7 to 24 March, she supervised buoy-laying activities in preparation for Operation Crossroads
, the July 1946 atomic tests; then continued on to the United States
.
Reaching San Pedro, California, on 23 April, the minesweeper
was decommissioned
at San Diego, California
, on 15 January 1947 and berthed with the Pacific Reserve Fleet.
, in February 1953 for the Korea
n combat zone. She arrived off Wonsan
, North Korea
, on 15 March and began operations as a unit of the U.N.
Blockade and Escort Force. On the 16th, she transported prisoners of war to Yo Do, then returned to Wonsan
, whence, for 6 weeks, she conducted inshore patrols.
Three weeks of voyage repairs at Yokosuka, Japan, followed. She then steamed for Inchon and patrol duty along the peninsula's western coast. In mid-July, Ruddy returned to Japan
.
Fourteen days later, the truce went into effect; and, at the end of the month, the minesweeper was at Niigata
, Japan
, to participate in the Perry Expedition Centennial celebration. In mid-August, she returned to Korea
for patrol duty off Cheju Do; and, on 4 September, she departed Sasebo for California
, arriving at Long Beach, California
, on the 27th.
For the next 16 months, the Ruddy engaged in type training and tactics along the California
coast.
On 20 January 1955, accompanied by the USS Zeal, MSF-131, the Ruddy departed Pipeline Pier in Long Beach Harbor, and headed west for another tour in the Far East
, stopping at Pearl Harbor
in the Territory of Hawaii
, and at Midway Islands for fuel and supplies.
Eighteen days later, while still in transit, she was redesignated MSF-380.
Ruddy and the Zeal arrived at Sasebo, Japan
, on the 16th of February and, until 10 August, Ruddy ranged from Japan
to the Philippines
in operations with the U.S. 7th Fleet. Accompanied by the Zeal she returned to Pipeline Pier at Long Beach, California
on 5 September and resumed local operations.
, on 31 August 1956, Ruddy was berthed with the Pacific Reserve Fleet until 1 November 1960 when she transferred, under the terms of the Military Assistance Program, to the government of Peru
. The minesweeper served as the Galvez in the Peruvian Navy
until 1975 when she was transferred to the Peruvian Coast Guard. The minesweeper was retired in 1981.
minesweeping operations and two for her service during the Korean War
.
Auk class minesweeper
The Auk class were Allied minesweepers serving with the United States Navy and the British Royal Navy during the Second World War. In total, there were 95 Auks built.-Design and development:...
minesweeper
Minesweeper (ship)
A minesweeper is a small naval warship designed to counter the threat posed by naval mines. Minesweepers generally detect then neutralize mines in advance of other naval operations.-History:...
acquired by the U.S. Navy for the dangerous task of removing mines from minefields laid in the water to prevent ships from passing. She was the only U.S. Navy ship named for the North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
n Ruddy Duck
Ruddy Duck
The Ruddy Duck is a small stiff-tailed duck.Their breeding habitat is marshy lakes and ponds throughout much of North America, and in South America in the Andes. They nest in dense marsh vegetation near water. The female builds her nest out of grass, locating it in tall vegetation to hide it from...
.
Launched in Alabama in 1945
Ruddy was laid down on 24 February 1944 by the Gulf Shipbuilding Corp., Chickasaw, AlabamaChickasaw, Alabama
Chickasaw is a city in Mobile County, Alabama, United States. As of July 2007, the population was 5,979. It is included in the Mobile metropolitan statistical area.-Geography:Chickasaw is located at . According to the U.S...
; launched 29 October 1944; sponsored by Mrs. John Zerolis; and commissioned 28 April 1945, Lt. Comdr. William H. Rothwell II, USNR, in command.
World War II-related operations
After commissioning, Ruddy completed her shakedown cruiseShakedown cruise
Shakedown cruise is a nautical term in which the performance of a ship is tested. Shakedown cruises are also used to familiarize the ship's crew with operation of the craft....
in Chesapeake Bay
Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States. It lies off the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by Maryland and Virginia. The Chesapeake Bay's drainage basin covers in the District of Columbia and parts of six states: New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West...
and on 27 July 1945 departed Little Creek, Virginia, for Okinawa. Arriving at Buckner Bay on 27 September, she escorted the Miiilicoma (AO-73)
USS Millicoma (AO-73)
USS Millicoma was a United States Navy fleet oiler which served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II, winning eight battle stars for her dangerous work...
to Sasebo
Sasebo, Nagasaki
is a city located in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. As of 2011, the city has an estimated population of 259,800 and the density of 609 persons per km². The total area is 426.47 km². The locality is famed for its scenic beauty. The city includes a part of Saikai National Park...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, destroying two Japanese mines with rifle fire en route. During October, she returned to the Ryukyus; but, on the 26th, was back off Sasebo to commence sweeping operations in the "Klondike" area off that port. Detached on 8 November, she provided courier service; supervised YMS operations; and carried freight between Okinawa and Sasebo until the new year. In January 1946, she again conducted minesweeping operations.
On 17 February, Ruddy sailed for the Marshall Islands
Marshall Islands
The Republic of the Marshall Islands , , is a Micronesian nation of atolls and islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, just west of the International Date Line and just north of the Equator. As of July 2011 the population was 67,182...
. At Bikini Atoll
Bikini Atoll
Bikini Atoll is an atoll, listed as a World Heritage Site, in the Micronesian Islands of the Pacific Ocean, part of Republic of the Marshall Islands....
from 7 to 24 March, she supervised buoy-laying activities in preparation for Operation Crossroads
Operation Crossroads
Operation Crossroads was a series of nuclear weapon tests conducted by the United States at Bikini Atoll in mid-1946. It was the first test of a nuclear weapon after the Trinity nuclear test in July 1945...
, the July 1946 atomic tests; then continued on to the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
Reaching San Pedro, California, on 23 April, the minesweeper
Minesweeper (ship)
A minesweeper is a small naval warship designed to counter the threat posed by naval mines. Minesweepers generally detect then neutralize mines in advance of other naval operations.-History:...
was decommissioned
Ship decommissioning
To decommission a ship is to terminate her career in service in the armed forces of her nation. A somber occasion, it has little of the elaborate ceremony of ship commissioning, but carries significant tradition....
at San Diego, California
San Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
, on 15 January 1947 and berthed with the Pacific Reserve Fleet.
Korean War operations
Recommissioned on 12 March 1952,Ruddy joined Mine Division 72 and, after 11 months of mine warfare exercises and fleet amphibious operations, sailed from Long Beach, CaliforniaLong Beach, California
Long Beach is a city situated in Los Angeles County in Southern California, on the Pacific coast of the United States. The city is the 36th-largest city in the nation and the seventh-largest in California. As of 2010, its population was 462,257...
, in February 1953 for the Korea
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
n combat zone. She arrived off Wonsan
Wonsan
Wŏnsan is a port city and naval base in southeastern North Korea. It is the capital of Kangwŏn Province. The population of the city is estimated to have been 331,000 in 2000. Notable people from Wŏnsan include Kim Ki Nam, diplomat and Secretary of the Workers' Party.- History :The original name of...
, North Korea
North Korea
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea , , is a country in East Asia, occupying the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. Its capital and largest city is Pyongyang. The Korean Demilitarized Zone serves as the buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea...
, on 15 March and began operations as a unit of the U.N.
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
Blockade and Escort Force. On the 16th, she transported prisoners of war to Yo Do, then returned to Wonsan
Wonsan
Wŏnsan is a port city and naval base in southeastern North Korea. It is the capital of Kangwŏn Province. The population of the city is estimated to have been 331,000 in 2000. Notable people from Wŏnsan include Kim Ki Nam, diplomat and Secretary of the Workers' Party.- History :The original name of...
, whence, for 6 weeks, she conducted inshore patrols.
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
.
Fourteen days later, the truce went into effect; and, at the end of the month, the minesweeper was at Niigata
Niigata, Niigata
is the capital and the most populous city of Niigata Prefecture, Japan. It lies on the northwest coast of Honshu, the largest island of Japan, and faces the Sea of Japan and Sado Island....
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, to participate in the Perry Expedition Centennial celebration. In mid-August, she returned to Korea
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
for patrol duty off Cheju Do; and, on 4 September, she departed Sasebo for California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, arriving at Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California
Long Beach is a city situated in Los Angeles County in Southern California, on the Pacific coast of the United States. The city is the 36th-largest city in the nation and the seventh-largest in California. As of 2010, its population was 462,257...
, on the 27th.
For the next 16 months, the Ruddy engaged in type training and tactics along the California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
coast.
Post-Korean War Far East tour
Far East
The Far East is an English term mostly describing East Asia and Southeast Asia, with South Asia sometimes also included for economic and cultural reasons.The term came into use in European geopolitical discourse in the 19th century,...
, stopping at Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor, known to Hawaiians as Puuloa, is a lagoon harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu. Much of the harbor and surrounding lands is a United States Navy deep-water naval base. It is also the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet...
in the Territory of Hawaii
Territory of Hawaii
The Territory of Hawaii or Hawaii Territory was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from July 7, 1898, until August 21, 1959, when its territory, with the exception of Johnston Atoll, was admitted to the Union as the fiftieth U.S. state, the State of Hawaii.The U.S...
, and at Midway Islands for fuel and supplies.
Eighteen days later, while still in transit, she was redesignated MSF-380.
Ruddy and the Zeal arrived at Sasebo, Japan
Sasebo, Nagasaki
is a city located in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. As of 2011, the city has an estimated population of 259,800 and the density of 609 persons per km². The total area is 426.47 km². The locality is famed for its scenic beauty. The city includes a part of Saikai National Park...
, on the 16th of February and, until 10 August, Ruddy ranged from Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
to the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
in operations with the U.S. 7th Fleet. Accompanied by the Zeal she returned to Pipeline Pier at Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California
Long Beach is a city situated in Los Angeles County in Southern California, on the Pacific coast of the United States. The city is the 36th-largest city in the nation and the seventh-largest in California. As of 2010, its population was 462,257...
on 5 September and resumed local operations.
Decommissioning
With the new year, 1956, she began inactivation. Decommissioned at San Diego, CaliforniaSan Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
, on 31 August 1956, Ruddy was berthed with the Pacific Reserve Fleet until 1 November 1960 when she transferred, under the terms of the Military Assistance Program, to the government of Peru
Peru
Peru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean....
. The minesweeper served as the Galvez in the Peruvian Navy
Peruvian Navy
The Peruvian Navy is the branch of the Peruvian Armed Forces tasked with surveillance, patrol and defense on lakes, rivers and the Pacific Ocean up to 200 nautical miles from the Peruvian littoral...
until 1975 when she was transferred to the Peruvian Coast Guard. The minesweeper was retired in 1981.
Awards and honors
Ruddy earned one battle star for post-World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
minesweeping operations and two for her service during the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
.