HMAS Snipe (M1102), originally launched as HMS Alcaston, was a Ton-class minesweeper constructed by John I. Thornycroft and Company in Southampton. Launched on 4 September 1952 and completed by 16 December 1952, the vessel served initially with the Royal Navy under the pennant number M.1102. As HMS Alcaston, she was assigned to the 104th Mine Sweeping Squadron and participated in notable operations such as Operation Musketeer in November 1956, which was part of the Anglo-French attack on the Suez Canal. In 1961, the ship was sold to the Royal Australian Navy along with five other Ton-class minesweepers. Prior to commissioning into RAN service, she underwent significant modifications, including the replacement of her original engines with Napier Deltic diesel engines, and the addition of stabilisers and air conditioning to enhance her operational capabilities in the Australian region. She was recommissioned as HMAS Snipe on 11 September 1962. During her service with the RAN, Snipe was actively involved in several key operations. In September 1963, she participated in Operation Gardening, which involved clearing magnetic mines laid during World War II in the approaches to Tonolei Harbour, Bougainville. In February 1964, she was part of the search and rescue efforts following the collision between the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne and destroyer HMAS Voyager, which resulted in Voyager's sinking. In the mid-1960s, Snipe supported Australian military efforts during the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation, earning the battle honour "Malaysia 1964–66" for her service during two tours, from May 1964 to January 1965 and September 1965 to August 1966. HMAS Snipe was paid off into reserve on 16 December 1966 and remained in RAN service until her decommissioning on 3 June 1983. Her operational history reflects her role in minesweeping and regional security during a significant period of post-war and Cold War maritime activity.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.