USS Superior (AM-311)

The USS Superior (AM-311) was an Auk-class minesweeper acquired by the U.S. Navy for the dangerous task of removing mines from minefields prior to amphibious landings. She served in the Pacific Ocean during World War II and was awarded two battle stars for her service.

Superior was laid down on 20 January 1943 by the Defoe Shipbuilding Company in Bay City, Michigan; launched on 17 April 1943; sponsored by Mrs. M.W. Peterson; and commissioned on 27 November 1943, Lieutenant Commander J.T. Smith, USNR, in command.

After shakedown in the Chesapeake Bay, Superior sailed from Norfolk, Virginia, on 18 February 1944 and arrived at Pearl Harbor on 18 March. Following training in Hawaiian waters, the minesweeper sailed to Eniwetok, Marshalls, and thence to Saipan to prepare for the invasion of the Marianas. On 14 June, Superior began sweeping approaches to Saipan and continued until the 24th, encountering sporadic fire from shore batteries. She then swept the approaches to Tinian from 24 to 28 July, during which time she shelled enemy positions.

Following a brief respite at Eniwetok, Superior sailed to Guam, where she swept approaches for that island’s invasion between 11 and 14 August. After upkeep at Pearl Harbor, she sailed to Ulithi, and then to Leyte Gulf to take part in the crucial Philippine campaign. On 17 October, Superior began pre-invasion sweeping of Leyte Gulf, during which time she was subjected to fierce air attacks. On 20 October, the day of the initial landings, she came under heavy shore battery fire while sweeping off Dulag. The next day, Superior began sweeping the approaches to the Surigao Strait.

After upkeep at Manus, Superior sailed to Lingayen Gulf on 2 January 1945 for the invasion of Luzon. She began sweeping operations on 6 January, coming under heavy fire from shore batteries as well as constant air attacks. The minesweeper continued her sweeping operations until 14 January.

Following the war, Superior remained in the Pacific. She was decommissioned on 14 December 1945 and placed in reserve at Astoria, Oregon. Superior was struck from the Navy list on 28 July 1947. She was sold on 22 January 1948 to the Basalt Rock Company for scrapping.