January 11-31, 1945

January 11

• 0855 — Curtin, Bernard C., Cox, USN transferred to mine assembly base, Pearl Harbor.

January 12

• 0547 — Underway pursuant to ComPhibPac Top Secret Training Order #1-45 of 3 January, 1945, at various courses and speeds on all engines, standing out Pearl Harbor.
• 0740 — commenced screening of sortie group Able of task group 51.12.
• 0816 — On orders from screen commander task group 51.12 proceeded to warn shipping to keep clear of sortie area.
• 0852 — on signal from screen commander took station 4000 in antisubmarine screen, O.T.C. In USS AUBURN. Screen Commander in USS Van Valkenburg (DD656).
• 1130 — Task Group 51.12 in cruising disposition 3 Able Love, on base course 180 degrees T, standard speed 12 knots.
• 1216 — commenced reorienting screen and convoy for firing exercises.
• 1314 — commenced firing.
• 1356 — ceased firing. Commenced forming cruising disposition and reorienting screen.
• 1515 — convoy commenced division tactics — screen remained on proper true bearings and ranges.
• 1655 — commenced zig zagging in accordance with Plan #6 of U.S.F. 10A.

January 13

• Underway pursuant to Training Movement Order ComPhibsPac no. A30-44, screening transport group Able.
• 0552 — released from screening disposition on signal from O.T.C., proceeding independently to assigned operating area on various courses and speeds.
• 0845 — assumed station astern of USS CHAMPION in division Form 18. Division in following; USS CHAMPION, guide, USS DEFENSE, USS ARDENT (AM 340), conducting formation minesweeping.
• 0921 — commenced streaming "O" type gear.
• 0942 — completed streaming of "O" type gear port and starboard and all gear secured for towing, and commenced Division Formation practice sweeping.
• 1109 — commenced recovery of all sweep gear.
• 1357 — commenced streaming "O" type gear on port side.
• 1408 — completed streaming gear.
• 1415 — took assigned position in port echelon formation.
• 1617 — commenced recovery of sweep gear.
• 2035 — all hands manned general quarters stations for night firing exercises.
• 2054 — commenced firing.
• 2100 — ceased firing.

Sunday, January 14, 1945

• Underway pursuant to ComPhibsPac Training Order A29-44, CominPac Training Order 1-45, on station astern of and following movements of Division Guide in USS CHAMPION, forming up for screening disposition on USS TERROR. OTC in USS TERROR.
• 0830 — released from formation by OTC and commenced maneuvering into column 500 yards astern of column leader.
• 0951 — commenced streaming "o" type minesweeping gear.
• 1010 — completed streaming port and starboard "o" gear and went into starboard echelon formation.
• 1200 — underway as before on various courses and speeds streaming "o" type gear, exercising in division formation in assigned operating area.
• 1514 — Commenced recovery of sweep gear.
• 1538 — all sweep gear on deck — set course 090 degrees T and PGC, speed 5 knots, following in column astern of USS CHAMPION, proceeding to anchorage.
• 1729 — anchored in 15 fathoms of water with 75 fathoms of chain out to starboard anchor in berth 108 William, in Lahiaiana Roads, Maui, T.H.

January 15

• 0557 — Underway pursuant to training movement orders ComPhibsPac A30-44, in company with Mine Division Ten, less Chief and Competent.
• 0654 — commenced streaming "o" type gear to port and starboard.
• 0702 — completed streaming gear to 150 fathoms.
• 0732 — commenced recovering gear, using steerageway speed.
• 0744 — completed recovering gear.
• 0848 — commenced streaming magnetic gear.
• 0850 — switched #4 main engine to special service panel.
• 0914 — all magnetic gear streamed and ready for sweeping.
• 0958 — exercised in fire drill
• 1001 — first stream of water on the fire.
• 1003 — exercised at abandon ship drill.
• 1007 — secured from general drills.
• 1200 — underway in company with USS ARDENT, distance 500 yards, preparing to conduct magnetic minesweeping practice.
• 1224 — commenced pulsing magnetic minesweeping gear.
• 1303 — secured from pulsing magnetic sweep gear.
• 1349 — all magnetic gear clear of the water.
• 1410 — In position #2 position 500 yards astern of USS CHAMPION on base course 215 degrees T. (Returning to anchorage)
• 2312 — anchored in 9 fathoms of water with 45 fathoms of chain out to starboard anchor, in berth V113, in Lahaina Roads, Maui, T.H., S.O.P.A in USS TERROR, with other various units of Minecraft, Pacific Fleet present.

January 16

• 0650 — Underway pursuant to ComPhibsPac Training Movement order A30-44, in company with Sweep Unit Four, OTC in USS CHAMPION.
• 0841 — Commenced streaming "o" type sweep gear, both sides.
• 0856 — streamed "o" Mk IV V Hammer Box.
• 0923 — commenced sweeping in Division Mine Sweeping Formation, following movements of Division Guide on signal.
• 1235 — all hands manned general quarters stations for firing exercises.
• 1251 — commenced shore bombardment.
• 1257 — ceased shore bombardment, having expended the following ammunition: 21 rounds of 3"/50 Cal., 44 rounds 40MM. BENNIEN, G.R., S2c, received minor cut on left cheek from empty 3"/50 cal. case; treated by pharmacist’s mate and returned to duty, Injury not to own misconduct.
• 1332 — commenced recovery of sweep gear.
• 1353 — completed recovery of all minesweeping gear.
• 1448 — proceeding to area to sweep buoys as directed by CominDiv 10, USS ARDENT following in column.
• 1501 — commenced streaming port and starboard "o" type gear.
• 1509 — completed streaming gear to 300 fathoms.
• 1555 — commenced recovering minesweeping gear, having swept five buoys.
• 1617 — all gear clear of the water.
• 1806 — took station as third ship in column of Division Formation 18.
• 2010 — commenced streaming port "o" type gear.
• 2020 — completed streaming gear to 300 fathoms.
• 2024 — USS ARDENT left formation to recover lost gear. Changed speed to 13 knots to take assigned station in minesweeping formation.
• 2054 — commenced recovering gear.
• 2120 — completed recovery of minesweeping gear
• 2133 — lying to waiting for ARDENT to rejoin formation.
• 2205 — ahead on all engines to join Formation 18 with USS CHAMPION at head of column.
• 2400 — anchored in berth W108, Lahaina Roads, Maui, T.H. In 13 fathoms of water with 75 fathoms of chain to starboard anchor.

January 17

• 0850 — underway pursuant to Training Movement Order ComPhibsPac No. A30-44 in company with Minesweep Unit Four less USS DEVASTATOR.
• 1101 — commenced laying smokescreen.
• 1115 — ceased making smoke.
• 1225 — commenced maneuvering in Division Formation on base course 000 degrees T preparatory to forming up for afternoon exercises.
• 1314 — all hands manned general quarters stations for firing exercises.
• 1400 — commenced firing modified day surface spotting practice.
• 1406 — ceased firing.
• 1512 — set course 135 degrees T for assigned rendezvous.
• 1524 — released by OTC, proceeding independently on course 180 degrees T.
• 1531 — at various courses and speeds to assume assigned position in convoy screen.
• 1700 — took station 21 in inner antisubmarine screen of CTG 51.12 cruising disposition 3 ABLE LOVE, on base course 210 degrees T, speed 12 knots. Zig zag plan #1 in use.

January 18

• Underway as before in position #21 of inner antisubmarine screen of T.G. 51.12 in cruising disposition 3AL. Position 4015 of flagship.
• 0542 — ordered to replace escort ship RAIL (DE304) station 9.
• 0630 — USS RAIL returned to station, this vessel ordered to return to former station.
• 0731 — commenced maneuvering to take station for firing exercises.
• 1034 — changed course to 230 degrees T by emergency turn movement, commenced exercising in unit turn movements.
• 1116 — fleet changed course to 345 degrees T and PGC, commenced patrolling on station on USS AUBURN (AGC-10), distance 2500 yards.
• 1154 — made all preparations for entering port; proceeding independently entering Pearl Harbor swept channel, Captain at the conn, Navigator on the bridge.
• 1307 — moored starboard side to USS HALAWA (AOG-12) in berth 4 DE docks, Pearl Harbor, T.H.

January 19

• Moored starboard side to USS HALAWA (AOG-12) in berth 4, DE docks, Pearl Harbor, T.H., with the USS SPECTACLE (AM-306) moored portside.
• 1615 — Pursuant to US Navy Receiving Station, Navy 128 order NM14/P16-4MM serial 113, dated 19 January 1945, NELSON, M.W., 293-19-14, S2c, USNR, and Serial 71/NA dated 19 January 1945, ALEXION, CHRISTOPHER, 204-48-05, MoMM3c USNR reported aboard with bag, hammock, records and transfer papers.

January 20

• Moored starboard side to USS HALAWA (AOG-12) in berth 4, DE docks, Pearl Harbor, T.H., With the USS SPECTACLE (AM-306) moored portside.
• 1500 — SHEA, Melvin E., CQM 402-97-62 transferred to Commanding Officer USNavy Receiving Station Navy 128 for further transfer.

Sunday, January 21, 1945

• Moored starboard side to USS HALAWA (AOG-12) in berth 4, DE docks, Pearl Harbor, T.H., With the USS SPECTACLE (AM-306) moored portside.
• 1200 — FITZPATRICK, Garrett B. Jr. 948-68-88 F1c transferred to RedShip, #128.
• 1540 — commenced loading ammunition.
• 1635 — completed loading ammunition, having received 100 rounds 3"/50 AA SPDN, 7201 F/P, 18 rounds 3"/50 AP SPDN 5825 F/P, 640 rounds 40mm HEITSD, SPDN 6535; 2700 20mm HEI, 1800 20mm HET, 180 20mm BL&P.

January 22

• Moored starboard side to USS HALAWA (AOG-12) in berth 4, DE docks, Pearl Harbor, T.H., With the USS SPECTACLE (AM-306) moored portside.
• 0843 — USS SPECTACLE underway from port side.
• 0850 — USS GAYETY (AM-239) moored along port side.
• 0901 — Ensign Glenn D. NEWTON, USNR reported aboard for duty.
• 1234 — Underway on various courses and speeds, Captain at the conn, Navigator on the bridge.
• 1308 — commenced making runs over degaussing range, Waipio Point, Pearl Harbor channel.
• 1509 — completed degaussing runs.
• 1527 — Moored starboard side to USS ARDENT (AM-340) outboard USS CHAMPION (AM-314) and USS DEVASTATOR (AM-318) at berth C-4 DE docks, Pearl Harbor.

January 23

• Moored starboard side to USS ARDENT, outboard USS CHAMPION and USS DEVASTATOR at berth C-4, DE docks, Pearl Harbor.

January 24

• Moored starboard side to USS ARDENT, outboard USS CHAMPION and USS DEVASTATOR at berth C-4, DE docks, Pearl Harbor.
• 0910 — Commander Mine Squadron FOUR and aids came aboard to conduct personnel and material inspection.
• 0930 — completed personnel inspection, commenced material inspection.
• 1139 — exercised at general quarters and battle problem.
• 1155 — Commander Mine Squadron FOUR and party left ship.
• 1430 — while conducting tests of Mark IV V acoustic hammer under direction of CominPac representative, strap parted, dropping hammer. Recovered hammer which had sustained the following damage: Side plate dented, fore plate dented, and angled out from hammer body.

January 25

• Moored starboard side to USS ARDENT, outboard USS CHAMPION and USS DEVASTATOR at berth C-4, DE docks, Pearl Harbor.
• 0735 — underway for fuel dock, Merrys Point.
• 0900 — moored port side to berth M-2, Merrys Point, outboard of USS LCI 765.
• 1340 — completed fueling ship.
• 1405 — Underway at various courses and speeds proceeding to DE docks, Captain conning.
• 1455 — moored starboard side to USS BANNOCK (ATF-81) in berth C-2.

January 26

• Moored starboard side to USS BANNOCK (ATF-81) in berth C-2.
• 1530 — Lt. Cmdr. J.E. WAGSTAFF was detached with orders to report to nearest Naval District.

January 27

• Moored starboard side to USS BANNOCK (ATF-81) in berth C-2.
• 0530 — Lt. (jg) H.J. LOE was detached and ordered to report to Commander Service Force, Pacific Fleet Duty Officers Pool for duty.
• 0615 — Underway pursuant to CDS 63 Secret Speed Letter serial 003 of 25 January 1945. Proceeding out Pearl Harbor channel.
• 0652 — arrived on station and commenced antisubmarine patrolling to cover sortie of transport group, as ordered in annex B of above speed letter. Also underway in ComPhibsPac top secret order no. A25-44.
• 1250 — assumed position 21 at 4030 from guide in cruising formation 3AL-2, base course 180T and PGC, base speed 3 knots.
• 1621 — changed cruising disposition to firing position.
• 1625 — all hands manned general quarters stations for antiaircraft firing practice.
• 1714 — commenced firing
• 1747 — ceased firing
• 1821 — fire in after engine room.
• 1824 — fire under control.

Sunday, January 28, 1945

• Underway pursuant to CDs 63 secret speed letter serial 003 25 January, 1945. In position 8050 all engines on line, SL radar and antisubmarine sound gear in operation maintaining condition of readiness IIM.
• 0031 — commenced USF 10A zig zag plan #6.

January 29

• Underway pursuant to CDs 63 secret speed letter serial 003 of 25 January 1945. OTC in USS AUBURN (AGC10), escort commander in USS VAN VALKENBURG (DD656).

January 30

• Underway pursuant to CDs 63 secret speed letter serial 003 of 25 January 1945. OTC in USS AUBURN (AGC10), escort commander in USS VAN VALKENBURG (DD656).

January 31

• Underway pursuant to CDs 63 secret speed letter serial 003 of 25 January 1945. OTC in USS AUBURN (AGC10), escort commander in USS VAN VALKENBURG (DD656).

January 1 - 10, 1945

January 1945 saw the DEFENSE and many of her fellow minesweepers on maneuvers in the Pacific waters off the coast of the Territory of Hawaii. The deck log transcription for the first ten days of the month follow. The Captain of the Defense was Lt. Cmdr. Gordon Abbot.

Monday, January 1, 1945.

• Anchored in Berth 122 Nan, Lahaina Roads, Territory of Hawaii.
• 0548 — Underway in company with MinDiv 10, less Chief and Competent, pursuant to CominDiv 10 orders for operations in accordance with CominPac confidential operation order no. 1-44, serial: 01 of 25 December 1944.
• 0855 — held general quarters for antiaircraft gunnery exercises.
• 1035 — secured #1 main engine for repairs.
• 1235 — commenced formation maneuvering on various courses and speeds in company with MinDiv 10.
• 1420 — assumed formation 18, 500 yards astern of USS CHAMPION (AM314) on various courses and speeds.
• 1556 — Anchored in Lahaina Roads, T.H.

Tuesday, January 2, 1945

• 0420 — Underway pursuant to CTG 18.1 confidential operation order 04-44, dated 22 December 1944, in company with MinDiv 10 less USS CHIEF and USS COMPETENT. Captain at the conn, navigator on the bridge. In formation 18, 500 yards astern of CHAMPION.
• 0735 — all hands to general quarters for surface practice firing in area CHARLIE SIX.
• 0907 — commenced firing surface target practice at towed target.
• 0951 — ceased firing exercises.
• 1023 — resumed column formation with CHAMPION as guide.
• 1231 — floating drill mine sighted on starboard bow, distance 1000 yards.
• 1242 — at various courses, speed 10 knots, maneuvering around mine.
• 1252 — destroyed mine by gunfire.
• 1608 — assumed position #2 in antisubmarine screen #53 (USF 10 (A)) escorting USS CHAMPION.
• 1630 — commenced zig zag plan #6.
• 1640 — ceased zig zaging.
• 1700 — assumed position #3 in antisubmarine screen #53.
• 1701 — ceased screening, ordered to form 18 — 500 yards astern of USS CHAMPION.
• 1750 — Ordered by DivMin 10 to fall out of formation and return to anchorage.

January 3, 1945

• 0828 — Underway pursuant to C.T.G 18.1 confidential operation order $4-44, dated 22 December 1944, in company with MinDiv 10 less USS CHIEF and USS COMPETENT.
• 0957 — Exercised crew at fire drill.
• 1004 — secured from fire drill. Handy billies tested.
• 1030 — Exercised at passing mail with USS CHAMPION.
• 1118 — Secured form passing mail exercise. Commenced streaming starboard "O" type sweep gear.
• 1121 — commenced recover of sweep gear for adjustments.
• 1245 — Port and starboard "O" type gear streamed at 150 fathoms.
• 1435 — USS DEVASTATOR came along side to transfer mail from CominDiv 10.
• 1445 — formed column with USS CHAMPION as guide.
• 1448 — commenced screening exercises.
• 1535 — Ceased screening exercises.
• 1604 — Anchored in berth OBOE 122, Lahaina Roads, T.H.

January 4

• 0806 — Hamilton, E.N., MoMM 3/c left ship for shore patrol duty in Lahaina, T.H.
• 0900 — Captain held mast on Larson, V.J. RdM 3/c, reduced in rating to S 2/c.
• 2330 — Made all preparations for getting underway.
• 2355 — underway pursuant to verbal orders CoMinDiv 10, proceeding to Pearl Harbor, T.H. in company with MinDiv 10, less USS CHIEF and USS COMPETENT.

January 5

• Underway on all engines in company with MinDiv 10 less USS CHIEF and USS COMPETENT, CominDiv 10 in USS CHAMPION, proceeding to Pearl Harbor.
• 0855 — Hove to to await channel entry.
• 1056 — made all preparations for entering port on various courses and speeds.
• 1058 — Buoy 2, Pearl Harbor, swept channel abeam to starboard.
• 1114 — net vessel abeam to port.
• 1132 — Moored starboard side to USS REVENGE (AM-110), Berth C-3, DE Docks, Pearl Harbor.
• 1235 — Snyder, R.R., ChMoMM, was placed on was placed on binnacle list; diagnosis D.U. Erysipelas.
• 1750- Lt. (jg) Hollie J. Loe, D-V(S), USNR, reported aboard for duty pursuant to BuPers Order 373702 Pers 31371-ESK-6D, dated 12 December 1944.

January 6

• 0805 — held quarters for muster, no absentees. Published Articles for the Government of the Navy.
• 1455 — Fleming, J.I. SoM 2/c reported aboard for duty along with bag, hammock, transfer papers, records, and accounts.

January 7

• Moored starboard side to USS REVENGE (AM-110) at Berth C-3, D.E. Docks, Pearl Harbor.
• 1100 — Wadell, USN, Pay Clerk from Small Craft Disbursing Office Pearl Harbor, came aboard and paid crew.

January 8

• 1330 — Collins, Ira Vernon, W.T. 1/c USN was transferred to receiving station, Navy 128. Prince, Henry Ralph S 1/c, USN, was transferred to receiving station, Navy 128.

January 9 (Tuesday)

• 1042 — Pride, E.W., F 1/c, USNI reported aboard for duty with bag, hammock, records, and transfer papers.

• 1216 — USS REVENGE got underway from along starboard side.

January 10

• 1230 — Underway on all engines pursuant to visual dispatch from Captain of the yard, Navy yard Pearl Harbor, maneuvering at various courses and speeds through harbor.
• 1300 — Moored alongside USS REVENGE at berth B23.
• 1530 — Propps, W.L. Jr., Cox, USNR reported aboard for duty.

Welcome

DEFENSE

AM - 317: Displacement-890 tons; Length-221'2"; Beam-32'2"; Draft-10'9"; Speed-18 knots; Compliment-105; Class-Auk.

Defense (AM-317) was launched 18 February 1943 by General Engineering and Dry Dock Co., Alameda, Calif.; sponsored by Mrs. A. Duncanfield; and commissioned 10 January 1944, Lieutenant Commander G. Abbott, USNR, in command.

Sailing from San Francisco 24 March 1944 Defense escorted a convoy to Majuro, then swept mines and had escort duty off Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, from 9 to 19 April. She returned to Pearl Harbor the last day of April, and between 8 May and 9 July escorted two convoys, one to Majuro and one to Eniwetok. After conducting experimental minesweeping exercises at Pearl Harbor until 22 July, she got underway for San Francisco, arriving 30 July.

From August through December 1944 Defense provided a variety of services for ships in shakedown off San Diego, and joined in exercises in the Hawaiian Islands. Sailing from Pearl Harbor 27 January 1945, Defense arrived off Iwo Jima 16 February as the preinvasion bombardment of the island began. She patrolled in the antisubmarine screen until late on 19 February, day of the landings, when she cleared to escort unladen transports to Saipan. From 1 to 7 March she again patrolled off Iwo Jima, and on 10 March arrived at Ulithi, staging point for the invasion of Okinawa. Nine days later she was underway for minesweeping operations out of Kerama Retto in preparation for the invasion landings on Okinawa 1 April. During the massive suicide plane attack 5 days after the initial landings, Defense took a group of four attackers under fire. She splashed one, drove one off, and was struck by the other two after they had been heavily damaged by her antiaircraft fire.

Despite her own damage she went to the aid of two other stricken ships, rescuing 50 men from Newcomb (DD-586) and towing crippled Leutze (DD-481) to Kerama Retto.

July and August of 1945 saw the Defense in Seattle undergoing major overhaul operations. She sailed for Japan in late August, and spent the rest of 1945 in Siapan. She served in the Pacific until 6 March 1946 when she cleared Kobe for San Diego, arriving 21 April. Defense was placed out of commission in reserve there 31 May 1946.

Recommissioned 16 February 1952 at Long Beach, Calif., Defense sailed for Yokosuka 7 July, arriving 15 August. Operating in Korean waters in support of United Nations forces, she cleared the waters at Inchon and in the Wonsan-Chongjin-Songjin area of mines until 8 January 1953 when she cleared Yokosuka for Long Beach arriving 5 February. Along with another tour of duty in the Far East from 5 October 1953 to 2 June 1954, Defense operated along the coast of Southern California until she was reclassified MSF-317, 7 February 1955, and again placed out of commission in reserve 15 April 1955.

Defense received two battle stars for World War II service and two the Korean War.