USS Impervious (AM-449)

The USS Impervious (AM-449) was an Aggressive-class minesweeper built for the United States Navy during the Korean War. Laid down on December 14, 1953, by the J. M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. in Tacoma, Washington, she was launched on August 16, 1954, and commissioned on March 16, 1956.

Impervious operated primarily with Mine Division 93 and Mine Squadron 9, participating in exercises and deployments along the U.S. West Coast and in the Western Pacific. Her primary mission was to detect, identify, and neutralize enemy mines, ensuring safe passage for naval and commercial vessels.

The Aggressive-class minesweepers were designed with non-magnetic hulls, usually constructed of wood or fiberglass, to minimize the risk of triggering magnetic influence mines. They were equipped with sophisticated mine detection and neutralization equipment.

Impervious was decommissioned on June 29, 1972, and struck from the Naval Vessel Register on September 1, 1973. She was subsequently sold for scrap. While her active service was relatively brief, the Impervious played a role in maintaining naval readiness and ensuring maritime safety during the Cold War era.