The USS Monadnock (ACM-14), originally built as the USAMP Major Samuel Ringgold (MP 11), was constructed by the Marietta Manufacturing Company in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Launched and delivered to the U.S. Army in December 1942, this vessel was initially designed as an M1 mine planter for the Army Coast Artillery Corps, Mine Planter Service. The ship was named after Samuel Ringgold, a notable officer regarded as the "Father of Modern Artillery," and was the second vessel to bear the name in honor of him. The vessel's design was specialized for laying naval mines, serving the Army's mine planting operations during World War II. In March 1951, the ship was transferred from the Army to the U.S. Navy and reclassified as an Auxiliary Minelayer (ACM), later designated MMA-14. While in Navy service, she was berthed at Boston as part of the Atlantic Reserve Fleet, indicating a period of inactive status. During her time in reserve, she was redesignated MMA-14 on February 7, 1955, and was officially named Monadnock on May 1, 1955, becoming the second vessel with this name. Notably, Monadnock was never commissioned into active Navy service and therefore never bore the "USS" prefix. Her service essentially remained in a reserve capacity until she was struck from the Navy Directory on July 1, 1960. Subsequently, she was sold into commercial service, where she underwent several name changes, including Tahiti, Amazonia, Dear, Majestic, and Maxims des Mers. The vessel's operational history extended into the 21st century, culminating in her loss on July 23, 2004. The ship's transition from military to commercial use and her long service life reflect her versatility and the enduring utility of her design.

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