USS GLADIATOR (AM-319)

A man who fought with deadly weapons, as in the amphitheatre, for popular amusement. Hence, one who engages in any kind of spirited contest.

(AM-319: dp 890; l. 221'2"; b. 32'; dr. 10'; s.18k; a. 1 3")

“...divided her time between minesweeping operations at Wonsan, Inchon, and Hungnam...”

The second Gladiator, originally BAM-6 [HMS Blaze], was launched 7 May 1943 as AM-319 by the General Engineering and Drydock Co., Alameda, Calif.; sponsored by Mrs. Made line A. Silva; and acquired and simultaneously commissioned 25 February 1944 Lt. Comdr. Robert W. Costello in command.

Recommissioned 29 February 1952 at Long Beach, Calif., Gladiator sailed 2 September for Japan, closing Sasebo 1 month later, and steaming to Wonsan, Korea, 27 October. She swept mines in those dangerous waters until returning to Sasebo 10 November and subsequently, until the spring of 1953 divided her time between minesweeping operations at Wonsan, Inchon, and Hungnam and replenishment and training exercises; in Sasebo and Yokosuka.

Gladiator departed Sasebo 19 March 1953 and put in at Long Beach 10 April. She engaged in peacetime activities-overhaul at San Francisco, training exercises off southern California, a round trip cruise from Long Beach to Acapulco and Balboa (15 January-12 February 1954), and a cruise to Bellingham, Wash., and return (28 June-10 July 1954) before decommissioning at Long Beach 15 March 1955.

Redesignated MSF-319, Gladiator entered the reserve fleet berthed at Green Cove Springs, Fla. She was later transferred to the Pacific Reserve Fleet at San Diego, Calif. [Stricken 1 July 1972, sold Mexico 19 September 1972 as Santos Degollado.]

USS Gladiator received two battle stars for World War II service.