Years 1954 - 1965 Displacement-412 tons; Length-145?; Beam 28?; Draft 12?; Complement-40 Officers and Enlisted; Armament-I 20mm., 2 .50-cal. mg., 1 81mm. H.; Main Engines-2 GM diesels; Shafts-2; Speed-12.8 knots; Radius-2,500 miles at 10 knots; Class-Redwing The second Whippoorwill (MSC?207) was laid down on 7 January 1954 at Bellingham, Washington, by the Bellingham Shipyards Co. as AMS.-207; launched on 13 August 1954; sponsored by Mrs. Walter A. Yatch, wife of the resident supervisor of Shipbuilding, Bellingham, Washington, and co-sponsored by Mrs. B.D. Wright; reclassified 1150?207 on 7 Feb-ruary 1955; and commissioned at Tacoma, Washington, on 20 October 1955. LTJG Tom I. Kolstad, USN, who was promoted to Lieutenant on board, assumed command. Unlike her predecessor, the second Whippoorwill was constructed throughout of wood and other materials with the lowest possible magnetic attraction to attain the greatest possible safety factor when sweeping for magnetic mines. 7 November 1955: The mine countermeasures ship reported for duty with the Commander, Mine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Over the next 10 months, she conducted shakedown training along the west coast and then began normal duty with Mine Force out of Long Beach, California. 31 July ? 6 October 1956: Flagship for Commander Mine Division Thirty-Two. Lt. Tom I. Kolstad assumed the additional duties as the division commander. 1 August 1956: Departed Long Beach, California, enroute to Japan via Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, and Midway Island. 21 August 1956: Arrived at her new homeport, Sasebo, Japan and reported for duty to the Commander, Mine Flotilla One. During the next 14 years the Whippoorwill, as a member of MinFlot 1, operated with the USS Peacock (MSC-198), USS Phoebe (MSC-199), USS Vireo (MSC-205), USS Warbler (MSC-206), USS Widgeon (MSC-208), USS Woodpecker (MSC-209), USS Albatross (MSC-289), USS Gannet (MSC-290), USS Epping Forrest (MCS-7) and USS Catskill (MCS-1). 21 November 1956 - 11 January 1957: Underwent routine overhaul at the Ship Repair Facility, Yokosuka, Japan. 8 December 1956: LT. P. E. May, USN, relieved LT. Kolstad, USN, as commanding Officer at Yokosuka, Japan. 8-28 February 1957: Participated in minesweeping operations at Saipan Island. 17-30 March 1957: Participated in Operation Beacon Hill at Luzon, Philippine Islands, the largest amphibious operation held since World War II to this date. 31 March-3 April 1957: Operated in support of the Chinese Nationalist at Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Whippoorwill was awarded the China Service Medal extended for service on 31 March 57. May?June 58: Underwent routine overhaul at Ship Repair Facility, Yoksuka, Japan. July 58: Received the Intra-Squadron Battle Efficiency Award (White ?E?) for fiscal year 1958. Awarded by Commander Mine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. September?November 58: Whippoorwill?s first brush with less than peaceful duty came in the fall of 1958 when the Chinese Communists began and continued their bombardment of Nationalist?held islands? Quemoy, Little Quemoy, and Matsu?located just off of mainland China. Her service in the Taiwan Strait lasted from 10 September until 4 November when tension in the area finally began to cool. 7 March 1959: LT. J. E. Paulk, USN, relieved LT. May, USN, as Commanding Officer at Sasebo, Japan. July 1959: Received the Intra?Squadron Battle Efficiency Award for fiscal year 1959. Awarded by Commander Mine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. 28 October-I November 1959: Participated in the first joint US/China/ Philippine Minesweeping Exercise at Kaohsiung, Taiwan. 14 December 1959-5 February 1960: Underwent routine overhaul at Ship Repair 3 Facility, Yokosuka, Japan. 28 March-14 April 1960: Participated in Fleet Service Mine Test and associated Minex at Buckner Bay, Okinawa. 10 June 1960: LTJG. H. B. Kuykendall, USN, who was promoted to Lieuten-ant on board, relieved LT. Paulk, USN, as Commanding Officer at Sasebo, Japan. 27 June-3 July 1960: Participated in the joint US/JMSDF Minex at Mihowan, Japan. 6-14 September 1960: Participated in Phiblex Jolly Rodger at Pohang, Korea. 1 November 1960: LT. H.B. Kuykendall, USN, assumed additional duties as Commander Mine Division Thirty-Two. 6-10 December 1960: Participated in the joint US/JMSDF Minex near Iwakuni, Japan. 30 January-4 February 1961: Participated in the joint US/Korean Minex Field Gun at Yosu Haeman, Korea. 30 March?13 April 1961: Participated in FSMT and associated Minex at Buckner Bay, Okinawa. July 1961: Received Intra-Squadron Battle Efficiency Award for the third year in the last four. Received Majorie Sterret Battleship Fund Award as the most outstanding minesweeping ship in the Mine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. 24 July-18 September 1961: Under went routine overhaul at the Ship Repair Department, U.S. FLEACTS, Sasebo, Japan. 11-14 December 1961: Participated in joint US/ROK Miner at Pusan,Korea. 5-9 February 1962: Participated in joint US/JMSDF at Hiroshima Wan, Japan. 4-22 April 1962: Participated in Fleet Service Mine Test and Associated Minex at Buckner Bay, Okinawa. 19 May 1962: LT. M. E. Seiler, USN, relieved Lt. H. B. Kuykendall, USN, as Commanding Officer at Sasebo, Japan. 4-11 June 1962: Participated in joint US/ROK Minex Block Ox at Pusan, Korea. 3-10 August 1962: Participated in joint US/ROK Minex Seven Seas at Pusan, Korea. 1-7 October 1962: Participated in joint US/ROK Minex Bug Splash at Pusan, Korea. 11 January 1963: LT. Seiler, USN, assumed additional duties as Commander Mine Division Thirty-Two. 8 February-I April 1963: Under went routine overhaul at Ship Repair Department, U.S. FLEACTS, Sasebo, Japan. 29 April-17 May 1963: Underwent Refresher Training at FTGWP, Yokosuka, Japan. 21-30 May 1963: Participated in FSMT and associated Minex, Operation Copperwire, at Buckner Bay, Okinawa. 31 August-5 September 1963: Participated in Phiblex Bayonet Beach at Pohang, Korea. 6-10 September 1963: Participated in joint US/ROK Minex at Yosu Haeman, Korea. September 63: Received Intra-Squadron Battle Efficiency Award for fiscal year 1963. Awarded by Commander Mine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Awarded Majorie Sterret Battleship Fund Award for fiscal year 1963. 4-8 November 1963: Participated in Operation Yellow Bird at Lingayen Gulf, Philippine Islands. 30 November -5 December 1963: Participated in joint US/Chinese Phiblex Big Dipper near Kaobsiung, Taiwan. 13-17 January 1964: Participated in joint US/ROK Minex Polar Bear at Chin Hae, Korea. 28 February-8 March 1964: Participated in joint US/Chinese Phiblex Back Pack near Kaohsiung, Taiwan. 16-24 April 64: Participated in FSMT and associated Minex at Buckner Bay, Okinawa. April 1964: Awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service in the Taiwan Straits during the period of September to November 1958. 16 July - 2 August 1964: Whippoorwill?s second brush with hot war? operations began when she was assigned a barrier patrol in the South China Sea off the coast of South Vietnam to assist the South Vietnamese Navy in preventing waterborne infiltrators and logistics from North Vietnam from reaching the Viet Cong rebels in the south. During this first phase of American involvement, the Navy?s role remained essentially passive in nature. While American ships such as Whippoorwill stopped no craft themselves, they vectored South Vietnamese ships in on suspicious contacts. Though the barrier patrols were dissolved on 2 August, events occurred in the Gulf of Tonkin that same day which increased American involvement in the Vietnamese civil war and eventually brought Whippoorwill into intimate association with that conflict over the next six years. 2 September 1964: Received Intra-Squadron Battle Efficiency Award for fiscal year 1964. 3 September 1964: LT. D.E. Morgan, USN, relieved LT. M.E. Seiler, USN, as Commanding Officer at Subic Bay, Philippine Islands. 9-17 November 1964: Participated in joint US/ROK Minex at Yosu Haeman, Korea. 12 November 64: Awarded one battle star for Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for operations in the South China Sea and South Vietnam area during July and August 1964. 30 November-3 December 1964: Participated in joint US/JMSDF Minex at Hiroshima Wan, Japan. 16-18 March 1965: Participated in Joint US/Royal Thai Navy Minex in the Gulf of Siam. 19-24 March 1965: Participated in joint US/Royal Thai Navy Phiblex Exercise Jungle Drum III in the Gulf of Siam. 18 April-7May 1965: Participated in Operation Market Time as a unit of Task Force 115. In many respects, Whippoorwill?s ?Market Time? duties resembled the barrier patrols she had conducted the previous summer. However, they differed from those patrols in two major respects. First, as a result of the increasingly direct involvement of American forces in the Vietnam conflict, ships on ?Market Time? station actively participated in stop?and seizure operations rather than limiting themselves to surveillance and passive assistance to the South Vietnamese Navy. Secondly, as a result of the increased communist logistic effort from north to south, ?Market Time? operations became a continuous and intensive assignment. Until she returned to the United States in the fall of 1970, Whippoorwill?s sole mission in the Vietnam conflict consisted of ?Market Time? patrols. She alternated month-long tours on station in Vietnamese waters with assignments of variable duration at other points in the Orient. 16-27 May 1965: Participated in Operation Market Time as a unit of Task Force 115. 2 August-27 October 1965: Underwent routine overhaul at the Ship Repair Department, U.S. Fleet Activities, Sasebo, Japan. 10 December 1965-16 January 1966: Participated in Operation Market Time, Republic of Vietnam, as a unit of Task Force 115. Year 1966 Although a coastal minesweeper, WHIPPOORWILL spent the major part of 1966 performing patrol craft duties as part of Market Tine operations off the coast of South Vietnam. On 1 January, WHIPPOORWILL was patrolling in Area Six situated about 5O-miles southeast of Vung Tau. The ship?s primary function was to track large merchant contacts and to be watchful for Viet Cong supply vessels which might try to infiltrate any of the thousands of inlets to the Mekong River. The ship remained in this area until January 15. WHIPPOORWILL departed Market Time January 16 and steamed for Hong Kong. Since the weather was unusually fair and more tine was allotted for the transit than needed, all moored and influence minesweeping gear was streamed. The ship spent five days in Hong Kong, departing January 20, and six days in transit to Sasebo. Upkeep lasted from 26 January until 13 February. ON the final day of upkeep the WHIPPOORWILL departed in company with USS EPPING FOREST (MCS-7) and USS GANNET (MSC-29O) for Hiroshima-Wan, Japan, for the annual U.S. Navy/Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force Mine Exercise from February 13 to February 21. During the five day exercise WHIPPOORWILL streamed moored gear three tines and an influence sweep consisting of magnetic and acoustic gear four tines. The ship swept four mines and remained active in the field for the entire exercise. The ship had her second upkeep of the quarter from February 21 to March 1 and then left for Market Time operations in company with USS WOODPECKER (MSC-2O9). This cruise, commencing 11 March near Nha Trang, South Vietnam, in Areas Two and Three, lasted until 19 April and proved to be the WHIP?s most active. Four hundred and thirty junks were boarded, 40 persons were detained for further questioning and 450 junks were inspected. In addition WHIPPOORWILL also participated in Operation TEE SHOT II, a combined sea and land drive aimed at forcing the Viet Cong from their secured positions around Nha Trang. WHIPPOORWILL was enroute from 19-21 April. Two days were spent inport at Kaohsiung, Taiwan, followed by three more days enroute. The ship arrived in Sasebo on 28 April. The Fiscal Year 1966 Management and Maintenance Inspection was held 1-3 May while the ship was in upkeep. A grade of 92.7, Excellent, was awarded overall. This was the highest mark ever received by a ship in Mine Squadron THREE. A five-day visit to Kobe, Japan was made 23 May followed by three weeks of upkeep and type training in Sasebo. On 25 June the ship again departed for Market Time operations via a brief fuel stop in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. WHIPPOORWILL arrived at Cape Varella, South Vietnam, on 4 July and immediately began searching with sonar for a downed Air Force C-130 cargo plane which had gone down in the vicinity. The WHIP scanned the bottom for four days charting more than 350 contacts in a one square mile area. The ship departed Cape Varella 7 July upon completion of the search and steamed for Area Seven near Con Son Island where she finished the patrol tracking large merchant vessels and maintaining a close watch toward the Mekong Delta area for possible Viet Cong infiltration. The ship took time out from Market Time duties on 11 August to anchor in Vung Tau, South Vietnam, for a change of command. At 1400 Lieutenant Lawrence R. MALOPY, USN relieved Lieutenant David E. MORGAN, USN, at ceremonies held on the forecastle. The WHIP departed Market Time 26 August and returned to Sasebo for upkeep. Commander Mine Squadron THREE presented WHIPPOORWILL with the Battle Efficiency ?E? with two hash marks on 29 August. The award was for Fiscal Year 1966 and the hash marks for the two previous years. Two weeks of Refresher Training were conducted by Fleet Training Group, Yokosuka, Japan, beginning 19 September. An average grade of 87 was given for all exercises including the final battle problem at the end of the training. The Fiscal Year 1967 Management and Maintenance Inspection was conducted by the Staff, Commander Mine Squadron THREE on 17 October. WHIPPOORWILL received a grade of 90.8, Excellent. This marked the third time the ship had scored above 90 - the only three times the 90 level has been broken in the squadron?s history. WHIPPOORWILL left Sasebo in company with the Squadron Flag Ship, USS EPPING FOREST (MCS-7), for the Fleet Service Mine Test 3-67 and 4-67 at Buckner Bay, Okinawa, on 27 October. The ship participated in approximately half of the test streaming an influence sweep consisting of magnetic and acoustic gear and minehunting with sonar. The ship left the Mine Test on 2 November and steamed for Market Time operations via a brief fuel stop at Kaohsiung, Taiwan. This patrol, commencing 9 November, the fourth the ship had made in 1966, was concentrated in Areas Eight and Nine near An Thoi Island. Again the ship?s job was to track large merchant traffic and assist coastal units when necessary. WHIPPOORWILL departed Market Time for the last time in 1966 on 12 December and headed directly to Sasebo via Kaohsiung. The year ended while the ship was in upkeep. Year 1967 Whippoorwill began 1967 in upkeep in her homeport of Sasebo, Japan. The ship had returned 21 December from her fifth Market Time Patrol off the coast of South Vietnam. The entire patrol has been spent in Market Time area eight and nine near the Island of An Thoi, South Vietnam. The ship remained in upkeep until 9 January when a week of intensified battle and minesweeping training was begun. General Quarters, man over-board, abandon ship, minehunting and meggering of the magnetic tail were the primary areas covered during this period. The ship was notified on 15 January that ?Our Navy Magazine?, a magazine for naval personnel, had selected the Whippoorwill as runner?up for its 1966 ?Ship of the Year? Award. The award is presented to that ship which the Our Navy Magazine staff considers to be the top ship of the year. The magazine stated, ?Whippoorwill?s record for 1966 was an impressive one. In Battle Efficiency Award competition she received the highest scores in the Pacific Mine Force. Her Management and Maintenance Inspection grade of 92.7, Excellent, was the highest also for the year in the Force. From 1 January to 1 October 1966, Whippoorwill spent about 75 percent of her time at sea, mostly on Market Time, demonstrating an outstanding material condition.? Nominating the Whippoorwill for the award, Commander Mine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Rear Admiral Carlton B. Jones, said, ?Whippoorwill? s outstanding performance and notable material condition are undoubtedly the result of the high state of morale on board. Her overall re-enlist-ment rate of 83 percent in the past year tied for the highest in the Force. 67 percent of those eligible for first term re-enlistment re-en-listed.? On Monday 16 January, Whippoorwill began preparing for Interim Dry Docking with a pre-docking upkeep. The ship passed over the sill of U.S. Navy Dry Dock Number Three, U.S. Fleet Activities, Sasebo at 1107, 1 February and was resting on keel blocks at 1423. USS VIREO (MSC-205) accompanied the Whippoorwill into dry dock. During the dry docking small areas of the underwater hull were replaced and other routine docking jobs accomplished. The sides above the waterline were painted and both anchor chains preserved. The Whippoorwill left dry dock on 10 February at 1030, moored at India Basin and commenced RFS until 15 February. Got underway 16 February for two days of ISE. Began upkeep on the 20th of February until 1 March. The ship departed Sasebo 1 March for her sixth Market Time Patrol off the coast of South Vietnam. The Transit was via Kaohsiung, Taiwan, where Whippoorwill stopped for 36 hours for fuel, stores and liberty. Whippoorwill entered Nha Trang, South Vietnam, Harbor on 11 March and anchored. The Commanding Officer, three officers and two enlisted men went ashore in Nha Trang, South Vietnam for a briefing by members of the Coastal Surveillance Center. The ship got underway again late in the evening of the 11th and proceeded to Market Time area four to assume patrol duties. The primary mission of the ship on this patrol was to monitor large merchant traffic traveling up and down the coast in the international shipping lanes. The secondary missions were to assist any close-in Market Time units as required and to remain ready to stream minesweep-ing gear in the Vietnam area. The Whippoorwill remained on patrol until 12 April and then departed for a port visit to Bangkok, Thailand from 15-19 April. This marked the first time Whippoorwill had visited Bangkok in over two years. The ship departed Bangkok on 19 April and steamed for Hong Kong. The stay in Hong Kong lasted from 26 April to 1 May. Before leaving Hong Kong a Meritorious Conduct Ashore Award was presented to the crew by the Servicemen?s Guide Association on Hong Kong in recognition of the crew?s noteworthy conduct while ashore during the visit. Whippoorwill returned to Sasebo 5 May after an absence of 67 days and immediately went into upkeep. The ship was again singled out by ?Our Navy Magazine?, this time as the May issue Ship of the Month. In a four page article, including pictures of several Whippoorwill crew members, the magazine noted the ship?s high re-enlistment rate, Battle Efficiency ?E? marks and Maintenance and Management Inspection grades. Also a brief history of the Whippoorwill and her predecessor, USS Whippoorwill (AM-35), was printed. Upon completion of the upkeep and a one-week period of daily operations in the Sasebo area, the Whippoorwill left in company with USS Peacock (MSC-198) and USS Warbler (MSC-206) for a mine exercise in Chin Hae, South Korea. The exercise titled ?Honest Crayfish?, was conducted between 7 and 16 June in Chin Hae Harbor. Three U.S. Navy and six Korean minesweepers participated. The Whippoorwill streamed, moored, acoustic and magnetic minesweeping gear and was responsible for sweeping three moored and two influence mines. Whippoorwill returned to Sasebo, again in company of USS Peacock and USS Warbler, on June 18 and remained in upkeep until July 5. During this upkeep the first class petty officers compartment was remodeled with wood paneling and large wooden bunks and the bridge structure was replaced. The new bridge structure provided better visibility and shelter from the sun and weather. Ensign John J. Thacher, USER, 714793/1105 reported aboard 4 July for duties as Engineering Officer. He was scheduled to relieve Lt(jg) Joseph F. Quinn. The ship was informed 6 July that it had been designated the Mine Squadron Three Ney Award winner for 1967. The award was based on a commissary inspection and meal sampling conducted on 15 May. The Whippoorwill commenced daily underway training on 6 July which continued until 20 July. Several overnight training cruises were made in the Sasebo area along with type training conducted in conjunction with other units of Mine Squadron Three. Tactical maneuvering, OOD qualifications, minesweeping and material readiness were the principle areas covered in this period. On 10 July Whippoorwill received the Gunnery ?E? and the communica-tions ?C? for grades above 90 by the Gunnery Department and Communica-tions Department in the Operational Readiness Inspection during the ship?s refresher training last fall. The awards were presented at ceremonies held by Captain Carl 0. Quanstrom, USN, Commander Mine Flotilla One. Upkeep began 20 July and lasted until the end of the month. Five members of the Inspection and Survey Board, Pacific Fleet, came aboard 1 August to administer an INSURV. The inspection commenced at 0800 and was concluded at 1230. The ship was judged fit for war and to carry out her assigned duties. The ship went into upkeep following INSURV for two weeks. Whippoorwill participated in a Mine Flotilla One sponsored Mine Counter-measures Refresher Training Exercise beginning 14 August. The ship was slated to act as a support vessel for the three week exercise, but in reality streamed all the sweeps required by ships going through official training. While in the Sasebo area during the first week the ship experimented with two new types of mine counter-measures gear. The first, on 14 August, was a new navigation bouy called the Three Point Moor Master Reference Bouy. Using the ship?s Master Reference Bouy, three 500 pound clumps were attached and dropped from the fantail while the ship steered a circular course. Thus the bouy had a three point moor making it more stable and navigationally accurate. The second, on 17 August, was a new method of streaming the acoustic and magnetic minesweeping gear. Named the FA-2 sweep, the magnetic gear was streamed off the port quarter in an open loop with the acoustic device streamed inside the loop. The Whippoorwill departed Sasebo 19 August in company with USS Surfbird (ADG-383), USS Warbler (MSC-206), USS Woodpecker (MSC-209), and USS Phoebe (MSC-199) for Buckner Bay, Okinawa, to complete the final phase of the RRFTREX. Arriving at Buckner Bay on the morning of 21 August the ship immediately laid two influence mines in accordance with the REFTREX OPORD. For the remainder of the week the ship partici-pated in tri-plane laying exercises, moored and influence sweeping formations and mine recovery. The Whippoorwill swept two moored mines and two influence mines but lost her Master Reference Bouy during a channel marking exercise in 85 fathoms of water. All the ships minus USS Phoebe and USS Surfbird transited back to Sasebo 26 August and arrived 28 August at homeport. In a special ceremony on 31 August the ship?s leading engineman, Engineman First Class Harvey A. Rahn, received the Vietnamese Meritorious Service Medal from Captain Carl 0. Quanstrom, Commander Mine Flotilla One. The medal was given in behalf of the Republic of Vietnam for Rahn?s effort and devotion to duty while the ship operated off the coast of South Vietnam. Rahn kept engineering machinery problems to a minimum which enabled the Whippoorwill to complete every task assigned on Market Time Operations. The ship was due to have one week of upkeep, one week of independent training and then commence pre-overhaul upkeep. However, due to a CASREPT one other Mine Squadron Three Ship was unable to go on a mine exercise at Kaohsiung, Taiwan, so Whippoorwill substituted in her place. Whippoorwill, USS Phoebe and USS Woodpecker left for Kaohsiung on 5 September and arrived on 9 September. The Minex, with the Republic of China, began on 10 September with a sortie of ships and a mine drop by Naval aircraft and ended 14 September with mine recovery. The Whippoorwill was called upon to mine watch, mine hunt, stream moored minesweeping gear and recover mines. The ship returned to Kaohsiung on 14 September and remained in port until the sixteenth. On the 16th the three U.S. Navy sweeps returned to Sasebo with the Whippoorwill arriving late on the 19th and Phoebe and Woodpecker arriving on 20 September. On 24 September, the Whippoorwill moored alongside SRD float, U.S. Fleet Activities, Sasebo, Japan, to begin overhaul. During overhaul, which lasted until 30 November, most of the main deck as well as the entire 01 level was replaced, a new communications shack was added aft of CIC, and additional stowage space in the form of two .50 cal boxes was installed on the 01 level. On 23 October, Ensign Ronald D. Waddell, USN, reported on board to assume the duties of First Lieutenant and on 6 November relieved Lt(jg) Robert J. Aurin. On 27 November the Whippoorwill was called upon to participate in a Search and Rescue Mission. Although still officially in overhaul, the ship spent the 27th and 28th off Kogo Saki, Japan participating in BAR with Captain W.H. Hardcastle, Jr., Commander Mine Flotilla One embarked as on scene SAR commander. On 4 December, the ship got underway for a port visit to Kobe, Japan, arriving there on the 6th. Whippoorwill departed Kobe on 9 December, and arrived in Sasebo on the 11th. The week of 11-15 December was spent on ISE, during which the ship was swung and radiation tests made. On 18 December the Whippoorwill entered upkeep until the end of the year. Year 1968 1968 was a busy year for the Whippoorwill. She left her homeport of Sasebo, Japan on 2 January enroute to Vietnam. After a brief fuel stop in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, she relieved USS Woodpecker (MSC?209) at Conson Island, Market Time Area Seven on 12 January. From 12 January until 21 February she patrolled Area Seven, receiving commendation from COMNAVFORV for her part in detecting suspicious vessels in her patrol area. In addition to her patrol duties, Whippoorwill trained almost daily in preparation for her upcoming Refresher Training. After her arduous patrol, Whippoorwill spent from 25 February until 1 March on a liberty and goodwill visit to Hong Kong, B.C.C. While in Hong Kong, the crew contributed generously to the ?Home of the Loving Faithfulness?; a British run home for epileptic Chinese orphans. She left Hong Kong on 1 March and arrived back in Sasebo on 10 March, having stopped overnight in Kaohsiung for fuel and liberty. The Whippoorwill spent the next two weeks in upkeep preparing for Refresher Training, which commenced on 25 March and lasted until 5 April. The hard training during patrol paid off as the ship completed Refresher Training with an overall grade of 94.4, the highest score ever received by a Mine Flotilla One ship. Between 17-19 April, the Whippoorwill had her FY68 Annual Management and Maintenance Inspection (MMI) conducted by Commander Mine Flotilla One and his staff. The ship was judged to be in excellent condition and received a score of 93.13. Leaving Sasebo in early May, the Whippoorwill journeyed to the Philippines where, between 9 May and 25 May, she participated in a joint U.K./Philippines/U.S. Minex in Subic and Manilla Bays. The first two weeks were spent coordinating procedures and tactics in the Subic Bay area, and the final week was spent in sweeping the practice mine fields in Manila Bay. The exercise provided the ship with much needed MCM training in anticipation of Whippoorwill?s upcoming MCM Reftra. Whippoorwill returned to Sasebo and with USS Woodpecker (MSC-209), USS Albatross (MSC-289), and USS Gannet (MSC-290) commenced MCM Refresher Training in Sasebo on 17 June. On 22 June, RADM. Bird, COMINEPAC visited the Whippoorwill as a representative of Mine DivisionThirty Two. The last phase of MCM Reftra was conducted at Buckner Bay, Okinawa and after receiving a score of 91.9, the ship returned to Sasebo just ahead of a typhoon. Having returned to Sasebo on 2 July, Whippoorwill deployed to Vietnam on 48 hours notice and relieved USS Prime (MSO-466) in Area Three on 14 July. The ship had a busy and interesting patrol, board-ing some forty junks and twice sending Civic Action parties ashore in Qui Nhon, Vietnam. On 24 July, a party led by LTJG R. Waddell, the ship?s First Lieutenant, spent a day helping out at Qui Nhon?s ?Holy Family Hospital?. On 7 August, another group led by the ship?s Executive Officer, LT. R. S. Cloward, delivered a contribution of clothing and toilet articles to the ?Save the Children Fund? Orphanage and spent the day doing repair work. On 12 August, Whippoorwill received notification that she had been awarded the FY68 Battle Efficiency Award by Commander Mine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. After being relieved on station by USS Lucid (MSO-458) on 21 August, Whippoorwill returned to Sasebo where she spent the month of September in upkeep. On 28 August, ENS. C. C. Curtis, USNR, relieved LTJG W.S. Kirkland, Jr., USNR, as Operations Officer. On 30 September, Whippoorwill received authorization to display the following awards for FY68: Communications ?C?, Operations ?E?, Engineering ?E?, Minesweeping ?M?, and a hash mark on her Gunnery ?E?. Between 5 October and 7 October, Whippoorwill was again inspected by Comineflot One and his staff and received a score of 93.3 for her FY69 Management and Maintenance Inspection. On 19 October, LT. M. H. Loy, USN, relieved LT. L. R. Malopy, USN, as Commanding Officer. On 23 October, the ship received word of her nomination by Commander Mine Flotilla One for ?Ship of the Year? honors in the Pacific Fleet. On 17 November, the ship, in company with USS Woodpecker (MSC-209), USS Phoebe (MSC-199), and USS Peacock (MSC-298) departed Sasebo for a combined Minex with the Koreans. Exercise ?No Limit?, held in the area of Chin Hae, Korea, terminated on 25 November and the ships returned to Sasebo on 27 November. On 9 December, the Whippoorwill entered U.S. Navy Dry Dock #1, U.S. Fleet Activities, Sasebo, Japan, where the bottom was scraped and some planking replaced in the hull. In addition, the 01 level was resurfaced forward of frame 30. On 18 December, LTJG B.A. Walker, USNR, relieved IT. R.S. Cloward, USN, as Executive Officer. On 23 December, the crew through a Christmas Party for the children at the ?World Mission for Children? Orphanage in Sasebo, presented them with a ping pong table and stocking for each child. The ship left drydock on 24 December and spent the remainder of the year in upkeep and ISE. Year 1969 WHIPPOORWILL spent much of 1969 underway. She left her homeport of Sasebo, Japan on 3 January enroute to Buckner Bay, Okinawa, to participate in Fleet Service Mine Test 3-69. She returned to Sasebo 13 January, and began preparing for Refresher Training, which commenced 26 January and ended 13 February in Yokosuka, Japan. With almost an entirely new crew on board since the last evaluation of this type, WHIPPOORWILL distinguished herself with an overall grade of excellent. On 14 February, Ensign Paul W. BUXTON, USNR relieved LTJG John H. THACHER, Jr., USNR as the ship?s Engineering Officer. WHIPPOORWILL returned to Sasebo on 19 February and made preparations for her ninth Vietnam deployment. Departing Sasebo on 3 March for Vietnam and Market Time operations, the ship made enroute fuel stops in Kaoshiung, Taiwan, and Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. On 12 March, WHIPPOORWILL relieved USS PIVOT (MSO-463) in Market Time Area Eight (8). From 12 March until 12 April she patrolled Area 8, with the exception of a one day operational R/R visit at Anthoi, Vietnam. After being relieved of Market Time duties, WHIPPOORWILL spent from 16 - 23 April in Subic Bay, Philippines in an upkeep period. WHIPPOORWILL was recalled to market time patrol and reported to Area 6, Vietnam, on 27 April and relieved the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter MENDOTA. The following day, WHIPPOORWILL was relieved by USS PEACOCK (MSC-198) and returned to Subic Bay where she spent 2 - 15 May in upkeep. From Subic Bay, WHIPPOOP.WILL headed for Bangkok, Thailand, arriving 22 May. After a four day port visit, she proceeded to Sattahip, Thailand and took part in the SEATO Mine Exercise Sea Spirit, 26 May - 3 June. The Thai, Australian, British and U.S. Navies participated. At the conclusion of the Mine Exercise, due to the collision of HMAS MELBOUPNE and USS Frank E. EVANS (DD-754), WHIPPOORWILL had her Mine countermeasures Refresher Training in Sattahip from 4 - 9 June. On 9 June WHIPPOORWILL started for home, and after fuel stops at Cam Ranh Bay and Kaoshiung, she arrived in Sasebo on 22 June. The entire month of July was spent in well deserved rest in the homeport. On 3 August, WHIPPOORWILL was underway again to take part in a Joint Japanese/U.S. Mine Countermeasures Exercise, Apple Pie?, (7 - 15 August) in Mutzu-Wan, Japan. Before being detached on 15 August, WHIPPOORWILL was named the outstanding U.S. Unit of the exercise. Departing Mutsu-Wan on 15 August, WHIPPOORWILL made a three day port visit to Siogama, Japan. She was the first U.S. Naval ship to ever visit this small Japanese city located on the eastern shore of Honshu. During the three days, over 300 local residents were shown through the ship. WHIPPOORWILL left Siogama 19 August and headed for Sasebo. She was forced to seek shelter from typhoon Cora in Yokosuka, Japan, and did not arrive in Sasebo until 31 August. On 5 September, WHIPPOORWILL steamed south again; this time to Kaoshiung, Taiwan to participate in the Joint U.S./Chinese Mine Exercise Canned Heat?, 11 - 18 September. On 19 September, WHIPPOORWILL departed Kaoshiung for Subic Bay, Phillipines, where she spent 22 - 28 September in upkeep. She left Subic Bay on 29 September for a port visit in Hong Kong, B.C.C., where she remained moored at British Naval Station HMS TAMAR until 7 October. WHIPPOORWILL returned to Subic Bay for 3 days during which time Ensign Thomas K. BURKHARD, USN relieved LTJG Ronald WADDELL, USN as the 1ST Lieutenant. WHIPPOORWILL headed home to Sasebo, Japan and arrived on the 19th of October. The day after arrival home, the annual command inspection for fiscal year 1970, was conducted by Commander Mine Flotilla ONE. Advance preparation paid off, and WHIPPOORWILL received excellent marks for the inspection. The Supply Department received a grade of 96.8%, the highest score given to a supply department in the flotilla in over two years. After two weeks of rest and relaxation in Sasebo, WHIPPOORWILL steamed north 3 November to Chinhae, Korea to participate in Mine Countermeasures Exercise ?Fish Hawk?, with Korean, British and U.S. Minesweepers. She returned to Sasebo on 12 November to begin preparation for a biennial two-month overhaul. The overhaul started 24 November and 2 December WHIPPOORWILL entered U.S. Navy Drydock #1, U.S. Fleet Activities, Sasebo, Japan. On 28 November, LTJG Paul G. GAFFNEY, USN relieved LTJG Christopher C. CURTIS, USNR as Operations Officer. The crew of WHIPPOORWILL participated in a workday at the ?World Mission for Children?, an orphanage in Sasebo, Japan, on 19 December. They refurbished deteriorated housing structure and renovated the existing athletic facilities in order to accommodate new contests. A monetary gift and tennis equipment were also presented to the orphanage at the conclusion of the day. On 22 December, WHIPPOORWILL left drydock and spent the remainder of the year in overhaul. Year 1970 Whippoorwill began 1970 secure in a Juliet Basin berth while completing a regular overhaul by SRD of Sasebo, Japan. On 28 January she completed overhaul and began proctoring for refresher training. From 16 February to 6 March Whippoorwill spent a very cold refresher training period in Tokyo-Wan, under the supervision of COMFLETRAGRU WESTPAC in Yokosuka. Whippoorwill distinguished herself with an overall grade of excellent. On 23 March LT. M.H. Loy, Commanding Officer, was promoted to Lieutenant Commander. Upon her return to Sasebo from Yokosuka, Whippoorwill began to prepare for MCM refresher training in April. From 9 to 15 April the inport segment of MCM reftra was conducted in Sasebo. On 16 April, LT. W. F. Melin, USN, relieved LCI)R. M. H. Loy, USN, as Commanding Officer. After the brief dawn ceremony, Whippoorwill departed Sasebo for Buckner Bay, Okinawa and a Fleet Service Mine Test and continuance of MCM reftra. Fleet Service Mine Test with units of the Submarine Force Mine Force, and British Navy was completed on 27 May. The same day MCN reftra was completed, the underway segment began. Reftra was completed on 2 May with an overhaul grade of excellent. Whippoorwill distinguished herself by becoming the Mine Force representative for the annual NET Award competition for excellence in food service. Additionally, she received the green ?C? for communication excellence, Gunnery ?E? and the Supply ?E?. Whippoorwill acting as target tow ship, participated in two gunnery exercises, the first from 30 May until 9 June with USS Sterrett, USS Berkeley and USS Catskill, in the vicinity of Buckner Bay, Okinawa, the second on 8 and 9 July with USS Sterrett off the south west coast of Kyushu, Japan. On 11 June LTJG. S. P. Marvil, USN, relieved LT. B. A. Walker, USNR, as Executive Officer. Whippoorwill made a short port visit to Kobe, Japan during EXPO ?70 from 16 June to 22 June. On the 29th of June, Whippoorwill received a distinguished visitor, Secretary of the Navy, Honorable John Chafee and his touring party. Whippoorwill departed Sasebo on 11 July for a three month deployment to the Republic of Vietnam. After a brief stop in Kaohsuing, Taiwan, Whippoorwill relieved USS Warbler, on 21 July, as outer barrier patrol ship in Area 4, Republic of Vietnam. This Market Time assignment was marked by frequent harassment and interdiction sorties. For her efforts in engagement with hostile forces on 8 and 9 August, Whippoorwill received the Combat Action Ribbon. On 1 September, Whippoorwill departed Vietnam waters, the last MSC to patrol in the Vietnam conflict. Kaoshiung, Taiwan was a brief scheduled stop, however Typhoon Fran forced Whippoorwill into Keelung, Taiwan for a two day storm evasion. On 11 September Whippoorwill returned home to Sasebo. On 28 September Whippoorwill departed Sasebo for the last time. Whippoorwill, USS Phoebe and USS Woodpecker transited together to Subic Bay, Philippines. After a four day upkeep from 4 to 8 October, Whippoorwill, Phoebe and Woodpecker joined USS Terrell County and USS Washoe County, together the five ships began a trans-pacific transit to terminate in Long Beach, California. The transiting task unit stopped in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from 30 October to 2 November. Pearl Harbor was the first American port Whippoorwill had visited in 14 years. On 12 November, the epic transit ended at MINEPAC Pier in Long Beach. After 4 days of further voyage repairs, Whippoorwill departed Long Beach for her new home at Treasure Island Naval Station in San Francisco, arriving on 18 November. On 10 December 1970, Triple ?A? Shipyard, San Francisco was awarded the contract for a scheduled availability for Whippoorwill. Whippoorwill closed out 1970 in this shipyard. On 15 December, Whippoorwill permanently hauled down her commissioning pennant, it was presented to LT. W. F. Mellin, USN, the departing Commanding Officer. LTJG. S. P. Marvil, USN, assumed duties as Officer in Charge of the newly decommissioned Whippoorwill. Whippoorwill became a Naval Reserve Training Ship (Group II) to continue service training the reserve component of the U.S. Navy. Whippoorwill was attached to RESMINERON FIVE and RESMINEDIV Fifty Two, along with USS Thrasher and USS Reaper. For the next five years Whippoorwill operated out of Treasure Island Naval Station training naval reservists during their annual active duty periods. 1 JANUARY 1975 TO 30 JUNE 1975 USS WHIPPOORWILL (MSC-207) spent most of the period from 1 January to 13 April in an upkeep status as a unit of MINE DIVISION FIVE-TWO (NRF), a Reserve Minesweeping Division home-ported at Treasure Island, San Francisco, California. The period from 14 April to 30 June was spent in preparation for deactivation. The first two Reserve training weekends of the year were spent inport. On 14 March, WHIPPOORWILL got underway in company with USS EXCEL (MS0-439), USS GALLANT (MS0-489), and USS THRASHER (MSC-203) for operations areas near Santa Cruz, California, where she conducted minesweeping operations for Reserve training. She anchored off Santa Cruz on 15 March where the crew took liberty. She departed Santa Cruz on 16 March, returning to homeport the same day. WHIPPOORWILL performed well during what proved to be her last underway period; for, in February, rumors had been confirmed that she would be retired from U. S. Navy active service on 1 July 1975. The final Reserve training evolution occurred 11-13 April. A ship?s party and picnic was held on 13 April, after which the Reserve crew members began dispersing to other reserve units in the San Francisco area. Final dis-establishment of the Reserve Unit of WHIPPOORWILL was completed 30 June. On 2 May, WHIPPOORWILL was towed by tugboat to Inactive Ship Facility, Mare Island, Vallejo, California for final inactivation preparations. At 2400 on 30 June, inactivation was completed and at 0001 on 1 July, custody of USS WHIPPOORWILL (MSC-207) and her equip-ment was transferred from the Officer in Charge, LT B. K. ECKHARDT, USN, to Commanding Officer, Naval Inactive Ship Facility, Mare Island, Vallejo, California. On 1 July 1975, Whippoorwill?s name was struck from the Navy list and she was sold to the Republic of Singapore. As of 1984, she served the Republic of Singapore Navy as RSS Mercury (M-102). Whippoorwill received six battle stars, the Combat Action Ribbon and the Meritorious Unit Commendation for her Vietnam Service. Postscript: During research, a discrepancy was noted between information provided in the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, published by the Department of Navy, and Jane?s Fighting Ships. The Dictionary lists the WHIPPOORWILL as being the RSS Jupiter while Jane?s lists her as the RSS Mercury. The photograph in Jane?s appears to be the WHIPPOORWILL. The End