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NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive

Kingbird (IX 176)
ex-AMc-56



Call sign:
Nan - Baker - Charlie - Sugar
Coastal Minesweeper:

  • The first Kingbird was built in 1939 as Governor Saltonstall by the James Shipyard, Essex, MA
    (DANFS listed builder as Quincy Drydock and Yacht Co., Quincy, MA)
  • Acquired by the Navy 26 December 1940
  • Placed in service as USS Kingbird (AMc 56), 24 July 1941
  • Reclassified as an Unclassified Miscellaneous Auxiliary, IX-176, 10 July 1944 for use as a sound barge training ship
  • Placed out of service 28 July 1944
  • Transferred to the War Shipping Administration for disposal 7 June 1946
  • Fate unknown.

    Specifications:

  • Displacement 206 t.
  • Length 96' 7"
  • Beam 20' 8"
  • Draft 7'
  • Speed 9 kts.
  • Armament: Two .30 cal. machine guns
  • Propulsion: One 250shp Superior diesel engine, one shaft.
    Click on thumbnail
    for full size image    		 Size Image Description Source
    Governor Saltonstall
    Saltonstall/Kingbird 82k
    Namesake:

    Gurdon Saltonstall (27 March 1666 – 20 September 1724) was governor of the Colony of Connecticut from 1708 to 1724. Born into a distinguished family, Saltonstall became an accomplished and eminent Connecticut pastor. A close associate of Governor Fitz-John Winthrop, Saltonstall was appointed the colony's governor after Winthrop's death in 1707, and then reelected to the office annually until his own death

    		 Tommy Trampp
    Photo added 26 December 2021
    Kingbird 203k Under construction Justin Demetri
    Researcher
    Essex Shipbuilding Museum, Essex, MA
    USS Kingbird (AMc 56)
    Kingbird 37k
    Namesake:

    Kingbird - Any of several American tyrant flycatchers

    		 Tommy Trampp
    Photo added 26 December 2021
    Kingbird 202k c. 1941
    Courtesy of D. M. McPherson, 1974
    Naval History and Heritage Command photo NH 81375     		Mike Green
    View the Kingbird (AMc 56)
    DANFS history entry located on the Haze Gray & Underway website
    Back to the Main Photo Index Back to the Mine Warfare Ship Photo Index Back to the Coastal Minesweeper (AMc) Photo Index Back to the Auxiliary Ship Photo Index Back to the Unclassified Miscellaneous Auxiliary Ship (IX) Photo Index
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