Catherine class minesweeper
USS Chief (AM-315)
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| Class overview | |
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| Name: | Auk |
| Operators: | |
| Preceded by: | Raven-class minesweeper |
| Succeeded by: | USS Eagle (AM-132) |
| General characteristics | |
| Type: | Minesweeper |
| Displacement: |
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| Length: | 221 ft 2 in (67.41 m) |
| Beam: | 32 ft 0 in (9.75 m) |
| Draft: | 11 ft 0 in (3.35 m) |
| Propulsion: | Diesel electric drive, twin screws, 3,500 hp (2,600 kW) |
| Speed: |
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| Complement: | Approximately 100 crew |
| Armament: |
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The Auk class were Allied minesweepers serving with the United States Navy and the British Royal Navy during the Second World War. In total, there were 95 Auks built.
The Auk class displaced 890 tons on average, and had an approximate length of 220-225 feet. They could reach a maximum speed of about 18.1 knots (33.5 km/h). Auks were equipped with a single 3 inch gun, two 40 mm Bofors guns, and eight 20 mm Oerlikon guns.
Thirty-two minesweepers were ordered by the US (as BAM-1 to -32), intending them to be supplied to the Royal Navy under Lend-lease; 12 were retained for USN use and given names and the "AM" hull classification prefix. Those transferred to the RN were named as the Catherine class receiving "J" pennant number prefixes.
Eleven minesweepers of the Auk class were lost in World War II, six to direct enemy action including USS Skill, torpedoed by U-593.
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