The USS Ready (PGM-87/PG-87) was an Asheville-class gunboat built for the United States Navy, notable for its agility and shallow draft, which allowed it to operate effectively close to shore in support of various military operations. Laid down on June 10, 1965, by the Tacoma Boatbuilding Company in Washington, the vessel was launched on May 12, 1967, and commissioned on January 6, 1968, under the command of Lt. Paul T. Souval. The ship was reclassified from PGM-87 to PG-87 on April 1, 1967. Constructed with speed and maneuverability in mind, Ready was designed to support counterinsurgency, guerrilla warfare, and conventional amphibious operations, especially in shallow waters. After initial shakedown training in Puget Sound, she departed for her homeport in San Diego in March 1968, operating along the California coast with periodic availability periods, including a stint at Long Beach Naval Shipyard. In late 1969, Ready was deployed to Guam, where she remained until January 1970. She then moved to Vietnam, operating in riverine environments around Cam Ranh Bay and Danang until July 26, 1970. Returning to Guam via Hong Kong, she was later involved in operations at Subic Bay and again at Cam Ranh Bay in 1971, supporting U.S. efforts during the Vietnam War. Her Vietnam service earned her two battle stars. Following her service in Southeast Asia, Ready returned to the United States, arriving at Long Beach in June 1972, then transitioning to Little Creek, Virginia, in August. She subsequently participated in Sixth Fleet exercises in the Mediterranean, based in Naples, Italy, where she simulated Soviet vessels as part of NATO training. The USS Ready was decommissioned in October 1977. Her service record highlights her role in Vietnam and Cold War maritime operations, emphasizing her versatility and importance as a shallow-draft combat vessel during her era.

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