Cover Page

Contents

Introduction

Aircraft Carriers

Battleships

Cruisers

Destroyers

Submarines

Minesweepers

Torpedo Boats

Liberty Ships

Foreign Warships

Warships Associated With World War II in the Pacific USS HAZARD

USS Hazard, Omaha, Nebraska
(Photo by U.S. Navy, 1944)

Description

USS Hazard (AM-240) was built by the Winslow Marine Railway & Shipbuilding Co., Winslow, Washington. She was launched on May 21, 1944, and was commissioned on October 31, 1944.

USS Hazard is a fleet minesweeper of the Admirable class. Admirable class minesweepers were basic minesweepers similar to the British Bangor class designed to meet minimum requirements for size, speed, and endurance. They were fitted for both wire and acoustic sweeping and could also double as anti submarine warfare and antiaircraft ships. Admirable class minesweepers formed the majority of American minesweepers built during World War II.

USS Hazard is in excellent condition. The ship was transferred to Omaha with all of her spare parts and equipment intact. The only equipment missing from USS Hazard is the minesweeping cable. All equipment (radio, engines, ovens, electrical systems, plumbing) is fully operational. USS Hazard still retains its original dishes, kitchen utensils, and stationery. USS Hazard is one of the best preserved and intact warships remaining from World War II. USS Hazard is a virtual time capsule dating from 1945.

USS Hazard is permanently berthed at the Omaha Marina in East Omaha, Nebraska.She is maintained as a World War II museum and memorial.

Role of the Minesweeper in World War II

The fleet minesweeper was one of the many support ships designed to service and protect the larger naval vessels in operation against the Japanese in World War II.

Although the Japanese had done little mining in the path of the United States navy they were known to have purchased thousands of British and American mines after World War I. Many of these mines were used in the Philippines and in the waters close to Japan where they caused considerable trouble. The purpose of the fleet minesweeper was to arrive before the fleet and sweep the areas for mines. Fleet minesweepers remained with the fleet, during operation, constantly sweeping to insure safe operation for the larger ships of the navy. Fleet minesweepers were the first to arrive in enemy waters and the last to leave. Their job, although not glamorous or well known by the American public, was absolutely essential to the safety and success of American naval operations against Japan in World War II.

USS Hazard represents fleet minesweepers that fought against Japan in World War II for the following reasons:

1. USS Hazard is an example of an Admirable class fleet minesweeper that fought against Japan in World War II. Admirable class minesweepers formed the largest class of American minesweepers ordered during the war and proved to be one of the most successful classes. They were also employed as patrol and escort vessels.

2. USS Hazard earned three battle stars for her World War II service.

3. USS Hazard is in excellent condition and is one of the most intact warships surviving from World War II.

Bibliography

Chesnau, Roger. Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1922-1946 New York: Mayflower Books, 1980.

Lenton H.T. American Gunboats and Minesweepers New York: Arco Publishing Company, Inc. 1974.

Morrison Samuel Elliot. United States Naval Operations in World War II. Vol. 14. Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1960.

Photographs

(click on the above photographs for a more detailed view)

USS Inaugural

Last Modified: Fri, Aug 25 2000 12:00:00 pm PDT
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