 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (June 2013) |
 USS Admirable underway, ca. 1944.
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| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders | (8 companies in 8 states) |
| Operators | |
| Preceded by | Hawk class |
| Succeeded by | Agile class |
| Planned | 147 |
| Completed | 123 |
| Cancelled | 24 |
| Preserved | 1 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Minesweeper |
| Displacement | 625 tons |
| Length | 184 ft 6 in (56.24 m) |
| Beam | 33 ft (10 m) |
| Draft | 10 ft (3.0 m) |
| Propulsion | 2 × 855shp diesel engines, single reduction gear, 2 shafts |
| Speed | 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph) |
| Complement | 104 officers and men |
| Armament |
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The Admirable class was one of the largest and most successful classes of minesweepers ordered by the United States Navy during World War II. Typically, minesweepers detected and removed naval mines before the rest of the fleet arrived, thereby ensuring safe passage for the larger ships. They were also charged with anti-submarine warfare (ASW) duties with rear-mounted depth charge racks and a forward-firing Hedgehog antisubmarine mortar. Their job was essential to the safety and success of U.S. naval operations during World War II and the Korean War. These minesweepers were also employed as patrol vessel and convoy escorts. The only remaining ship of this class is located at Freedom Park, Omaha, NE.
The PCE-842-class of patrol craft escorts was based on the Admirable-class design.[1]
- ^ Gardiner, Robert; Chesneau, Roger (1980). Conway's All The World's Fighting Ships 1922–1946. London: Conway Maritime Press. p. 151. ISBN 0-85177-146-7.