USS Velocity (AM-128)

USS Velocity (AM-128) was an Auk-class minesweeper acquired by the U.S. Navy for the dangerous task of removing mines from minefields laid in the ocean to prevent ships from passing. Velocity served the U.S. Navy for a little over a decade before being transferred to Argentina as King.

Velocity was laid down on 18 April 1942 at the Gulf Shipbuilding Corporation, Chickasaw, Alabama; launched on 17 November 1942; sponsored by Mrs. A. A. Taggart; and commissioned on 12 August 1943, Lt. Comdr. H. E. Van Riper in command.

After shakedown, Velocity sailed from Norfolk, Virginia, 23 October 1943, touched at Key West, Florida, and transited the Panama Canal for duty at San Diego, California. She operated along the U.S. West Coast until 11 May 1944, when she sailed for Pearl Harbor, and subsequently to the Marshall Islands where she tended nets during the Kwajalein operation.

The minesweeper arrived at Saipan, Mariana Islands, 23 June 1944, and swept minefields in preparation for the invasion of Guam. She remained on patrol duty in the Marianas until sailing for Pearl Harbor, 16 September 1944.

Velocity arrived at San Francisco, California, 28 September, and underwent overhaul. Returning to Pearl Harbor 20 December, she joined Mine Division 34 and sailed for the Western Pacific Ocean 15 January 1945. After escorting a convoy to Saipan, Velocity swept mines at Iwo Jima from 16 to 28 February, before returning to Saipan for voyage repairs.

The ship sailed for Okinawa 25 March, arriving off Kerama Retto two days later. She remained off Okinawa, sweeping mines and patrolling, until 11 July, when she sailed for the U.S. West Coast. Velocity arrived at San Pedro, California, 29 July, and underwent overhaul. She was decommissioned 28 November 1945 and placed in reserve.

Velocity was reclassified MSF-128 on 7 February 1955 and reactivated in 1956. She was loaned to Argentina under the Military Assistance Program 21 June 1966 and renamed King (M-1). Final disposition is unknown.

Velocity received two battle stars for World War II service.