USS Lucid (AM-458/MSO-458) is an Aggressive-class minesweeper built for the United States Navy, designed to detect and remove naval mines that threaten maritime navigation. The vessel was constructed by Higgins Inc. Shipyard in New Orleans, Louisiana, with her keel laid on 16 March 1953. She was launched on 14 November 1953, sponsored by Mrs. Mary J. Barrow, and reclassified as MSO-458 on 7 February 1955. Commissioned on 4 May 1955, with Lieutenant J. H. Graham in command, Lucid was a relatively compact yet vital vessel measuring approximately 172 feet in length, with a beam of around 35 feet, and powered by diesel engines that allowed her to conduct precise mine countermeasure operations. Following her shakedown in the Caribbean, USS Lucid sailed to the West Coast, arriving in Long Beach, California, and conducting exercises along the U.S. West Coast for over a year. Her operational history includes five Western Pacific (Westpac) cruises beginning in October 1956, during which she operated with the U.S. 7th Fleet, participated in goodwill missions, and conducted mine warfare exercises. Notably, during the Vietnam War, Lucid served four tours from 1965 to 1967, including patrols under Operation Market Time off Vietnam’s coast, where she boarded 186 junks and steel-hulled ships to help prevent enemy infiltration. Throughout her service, USS Lucid earned multiple awards, including the Battle Efficiency Award twice (1957-1961), and the White "M" for minesweeping efficiency in 1968. Her operations involved mine clearance, patrol, surveillance, and exercises with allied navies, underscoring her importance in maintaining maritime security during her active years. Decommissioned in December 1970 after 15 years of service, Lucid was placed in reserve. She was struck from the Navy Vessel Register in 1976 and sold for scrap. She then served as a houseboat and later as a warehouse before being acquired by a foundation dedicated to preserving ships of her class. Today, USS Lucid is the last Aggressive-class minesweeper afloat in the U.S., serving as a museum ship at Stockton, California, where she stands as a testament to maritime history and the vital role of minesweepers in naval operations.

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