Wreck of USS Swerve (AM-121)

 Second World War 1939-1945, military, shipwreck, United States Navy, minehunter / minesweeper (ship)

Laid down in May 1942 as the 30th member of the Auk Class of Minesweepers, the USS Swerve commissioned into US Navy service on January 23rd, 1944 as a member of the US Atlantic Fleet.

Following training and drills on the dangerous task of clearing mines, the Swerve escorted a convoy from the US to Naples, arriving in May 1944. After joining elements of Mine Division 18, the Swerve arrived off the landing beaches of Anzio on June 4th, 1944 and began clearing mines in the wake of the US assault. After departing for degaussing and further training off Malta, she returned again to Anzio and resumed her minesweeping duties.

Shortly after 1300hrs on June 9th, 1944, the Swerve was rocked by a large explosion at this location from a mine under her Port quarter. She rapidly began listing and within 15 minutes her Stern was resting on the bottom, with her Bow still on the surface. While all of her crew were able to abandon ship safely, the USS Swerve sank at this location at approximately 14:30hrs on June 9th, 1944.

USS Swerve received 1 Battle Star for her World War Two Service.

www.navsource.org/archives/11/02121.htm