USS EXPLOIT MSO 440

History

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Photos

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COMMANDING OFFICERS

LCDR Edward M. Akin
Mar 1954-Dec 1955
LCDR Clarence E. Thomas
Dec 1955-1957
LCDR Charles L. Gott
1957-1960
LCDR James G. Everett
1960-1962
LCDR Comer Hugh Bird Jr
1962-1964
LCDR Eugene R. Walker
1964-1967
LCDR Joseph C. Woolman
1967-1969
LCDR James A. Lindsey
1969-1970
LCDR Peter K. Glasier
1970-Dec 1972
LCDR William D. Center
Dec 1972-1974
LCDR William C. Rogers III
1974-1975
LCDR Michael O. Borns
1975-Aug 1976
LCDR Douglas M. Armstrong
Aug 1976-1977
LT Bernard M. Bianco
1977-1978
LCDR David Watson
1978-Jun 1979
LCDR Dale R. Dunn
Jun 1979-1981
LCDR Herbert C. Kaler
1981-Feb 1983
LCDR Joe R. Coffer
Feb 1983-Nov 1984
LCDR Johnnie F. Nemec
Nov 1984-Apr 1987
LCDR Martin E. Torrey
Apr 1987-Mar 1989

LCDR William F. Barns

Mar 1989-Jan 1991

LCDR Robin M. Watters

15 Jan 1991-31 Jan 1991

LCDR Steven E. Thornton

31 Jan 1991-30 Aug 1991

LCDR Michael W. Reedy

30 Aug 1991-15 Dec 1991

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The second Exploit (AM-440) was launched 10 April 1953 by Higgins Corp., New Orleans, La., sponsored by Mrs. R. F. Kennon, wife of the Governor of Louisiana; and commissioned 31 March 1954, Lieutenant Commander E. M. Akin in command. She was reclassified MSO-440 7 February 1955.
Exploit arrived at Charleston, S.C., her home port 13 March 1955, and began her participation in major fleet exercises, and local and Caribbean training. In 1954, 1957, and 1958, she served with the 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean, participating in exercises and visiting a variety of ports. Her stateside schedule through June 1960 included work in experimental development of mine warfare and defense in Florida waters.
On 28 October 1960 Exploit again sailed for duty with the 6th Fleet and remained there through the end of the year.

Nasa Recovery Ship:
Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) - July 21, 1961.
Mercury-Atlas 6 (MA-6) - February 20, 1962
Apollo-Saturn 16 (AS-16) - April 16-27, 1972
 
 
USS Exploit was decommissioned, 16 December 1993; laid up in the Atlantic Reserve Fleet, Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility, Portsmouth, Virginia; struck from the Naval Register, 28 March 1994; sold, 4 December 2000 to Baltimore Marine Industries, Baltimore, Maryland, for scrapping.