The USS Defense (AM-317), later reclassified as MSF-317, was an Auk-class minesweeper constructed for the United States Navy during World War II. Launched on 18 February 1943 by the General Engineering and Dry Dock Company in Alameda, California, she was commissioned on 10 January 1944. The vessel measured as an Auk-class minesweeper, designed specifically for the hazardous task of removing mines from strategic waterways, thus ensuring safe passage for Allied ships. During her service in World War II, USS Defense played a vital role in various operations across the Pacific Theater. After departing San Francisco on 24 March 1944, she escorted convoys to Majuro and participated in minesweeping and escort duties near Tarawa, Gilbert Islands. Her operations included convoy escort missions to Majuro and Eniwetok, as well as experimental minesweeping exercises at Pearl Harbor. In early 1945, she was deployed to support the invasion of Iwo Jima, where she patrolled in the antisubmarine screen during the initial landings. Later, she participated in the preparations for the Okinawa invasion, operating out of Kerama Retto. Notably, during the Okinawa campaign, Defense engaged enemy aircraft, successfully shooting down one attacker and damaging others, despite being struck herself and sustaining damage. She also rescued 60 men from the destroyer USS Newcomb and towed the crippled USS Leutze to safety. After temporary repairs, Defense returned to the United States for overhaul and served occupation duties in Japan until March 1946. She was decommissioned and placed in reserve in May 1946. Reactivated during the Korean War, she was recommissioned in February 1952 and operated in Korean waters, supporting minesweeping operations around Inchon and Wonsan until early 1953. Following another tour in the Far East, she returned to California and was again placed in reserve in 1956. In 1973, the vessel was sold to the Mexican Navy and renamed ARM Manuel Doblado (C73), later changing pennant numbers to G05 and P104. As of December 2025, she remains in active service with the Mexican Navy. Throughout her career, USS Defense earned two battle stars for World War II and two for the Korean War, marking her significant contribution to maritime mine-clearing operations and naval warfare.

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