USS Partridge (AM-16)

"AM-16" redirects here. For the failed July 1959 launch of a Juno II rocket, see S-1 (satellite).

For other ships with the same name, see USS Partridge.

USS Partridge (AM-16) was an Lapwing-class minesweeper acquired by the United States Navy for the dangerous task of removing mines from minefields laid in the water to prevent ships from passing.

USS Partridge
History
United States
Name	USS Partridge
Builder	Chester Shipbuilding Co., Chester, Pennsylvania
Laid down	14 May 1918
Launched	15 October 1918
Commissioned	17 June 1919, as Minesweeper No.16
Reclassified	AM-16, 17 July 1920 AT-138, 1 June 1942 ATO-138, 15 May 1944
Stricken	29 July 1944
Fate	Sunk by torpedo, 11 June 1944
General characteristics
Class and type	Lapwing-class minesweeper
Displacement	950 long tons (965 t)
Length	187 ft 10 in (57.25 m)
Beam	35 ft 6 in (10.82 m)
Draft	9 ft 9 in (2.97 m)
Speed	14 kn (16 mph; 26 km/h)
Complement	72
Armament	2 × 3 in (76 mm)/50 cal dual purpose guns

Partridge was named after the partridge, any of various gallinaceous birds, such as the ruffed grouse or bob-white quail, found in North America.

Partridge was laid down on 14 May 1918 by the Chester Shipbuilding Co., Chester, Pennsylvania: launched on 15 October 1918; sponsored by Ms. C. H. McCay; and commissioned on 17 June 1919.

Post-World War I operations

Completed too late to participate in World War I, Partridge operated in the Pacific Ocean until returning to the Atlantic Ocean in June 1941. Converted to an ocean-going tug, Partridge was reclassified AT-138 on 1 June 1942. The tug participated in rescue and towing duties along the eastern seaboard and in the Caribbean, making an important contribution to saving lives and ships, until early May 1944.

World War II operations

Reclassified ATO-138 on 15 May 1944, Partridge was ordered to England to assist in preparing for the coming invasion of Normandy. The ship remained in England until 10 June, when she was ordered to sail for the beachhead.

En route to France, at position 49°30′N 00°50′W, some 11 nmi (13 mi; 20 km) north of Vierville-sur-Mer, the veteran minesweeper was hit by a torpedo from a German E-Boat at 02:00 on 11 June and sank some 35 minutes later.

Partridge was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 29 July 1944.

References

 This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.

External links

• Photo gallery of USS Partridge (AM-16/AT-138/ATO-138) at NavSource Naval History
• USS Partridge.com
• USS Partridge (AM 16)
• uboat.net – Lapwing class minesweepers