USS Gull (MHC-46/AMCU-46/AMS-16/YMS-324) was a YMS-1-class minesweeper of the YMS-135 subclass, constructed for the U.S. Navy to clear mines laid in strategic waterways. Launched as YMS-324 by the Al Larson Boat Shop in Terminal Island, California, on October 14, 1943, she was sponsored by Mrs. William Toman and commissioned on February 28, 1944. The vessel featured the typical design of YMS-class minesweepers, which were small, agile, and equipped with gear suitable for removing naval mines. After her shakedown and minesweeping training, YMS-324 departed San Pedro, California, on June 20, 1944, traveling via Pearl Harbor to Guadalcanal, arriving August 1. She was actively involved in the Pacific Theater during World War II, conducting minesweeping operations in support of the Peleliu invasion, where she swept her first enemy mine on September 14, 1944, just before the landings by the 1st Marine Division. The ship continued operations at Peleliu and Ulithi, and under enemy fire, successfully swept mines under attack during the campaign. In October 1944, she participated in the attack on the Ngulu Islands, again sweeping mines amidst enemy resistance, and later aided in clearing approaches to Okinawa, remaining there until the fall of 1945. She returned to San Pedro, California, on September 20, 1945. Renamed USS Gull and redesignated AMS-16 on February 18, 1947, she returned to the Western Pacific in late 1947, engaging in peacetime training operations. During the Korean War, starting in November 1950, Gull supported United Nations forces at Chinnampo, Korea, sweeping mines to ensure safe passage for Allied ships and evacuations—an effort for which she received the Navy Unit Commendation. She was redesignated AMCU-46 in August 1954, converted at Yokosuka, Japan, and later as MHC-46 in February 1955. After returning to Long Beach, California, she continued peacetime operations until decommissioning at San Diego in January 1958 and disposal in March 1959. Throughout her service, USS Gull earned nine battle stars and the Navy Unit Commendation for her contributions during World War II and the Korean War, marking her as a significant vessel in mine countermeasure operations during mid-20th-century conflicts.

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