The USS Kestrel (AMCU-26) was originally an LCI(L)-351-class large landing craft built during World War II. Laid down on September 7, 1944, by the New Jersey Shipbuilding Company in Barber, New Jersey, the vessel was launched on October 6, 1944, and commissioned shortly thereafter as USS LSI(L)-874 on October 13, 1944. Following initial shakedown and training along the Atlantic coast, the ship departed Key West, Florida, on November 25, 1944, heading to the Pacific theater. After arriving in San Diego on December 13, she undertook additional training before departing on January 29, 1945. Her voyage included stops at Pearl Harbor, Eniwetok, and Guam, culminating in her arrival at Peleliu on April 12, 1945. During the final months of World War II, she performed patrol and picket duty in the Palau Islands, contributing to the Pacific campaign. From September 1945 to February 1946, LCI(L)-874 operated between the Palau and Mariana Islands, providing essential mail and shuttle services. She departed Eniwetok in February 1946 and arrived in San Pedro, California, a month later. The vessel was decommissioned on July 10, 1946, and placed in the Pacific Reserve Fleet. In 1952, the ship was reclassified as a Coastal Minesweeper (Underwater Locator) and renamed USS Kestrel (AMCU-26). Her conversion took place at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, beginning in August 1953 and completed in March 1954. Recommissioned on February 8, 1954, Kestrel operated out of San Diego, conducting underwater mine location exercises in the 11th Naval District. Her classification was changed to a Coastal Minehunter (MHC-26) in February 1955. The vessel was decommissioned on December 2, 1957, and subsequently sold to Murphy Marine Service on June 28, 1960. The USS Kestrel's service highlights its transition from a World War II landing craft to a specialized minehunter during the Cold War era, reflecting evolving naval mine warfare strategies.

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