WWII History
Mine Squadron 7 was established at an unknown date. Records available at this command (located at Long Beach Naval Station) begin January 1943.
In January 1943 Commander Mine Squadron 7, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, and commanded by Captain A. G. Cook, Jr., was composed of approximately thirteen ships of the AM (Minesweeper) and DMS (Destroyer Minesweeper) class. COMINRON SEVEN at this time was undergoing intensive training of fire spotting practice, maneuvers and escort work. The feasibility of these ships for anti-submarine work was being tested and the anti-aircraft armament was being increased.
In June 1944 COMINRON SEVEN was deployed off the shores of France, engaged in minesweeping operations and participated in the invasion of France in June 1944. The squadron lost several ships sunk by mines and torpedoes.
In July 1944 ships of COMINRON SEVEN swept enemy mines along the south coast of England, operating under Combined Task Force 125 and 129 and further participated in the Bombardment of Cherbourg.
In September 1944 Commander Mine Squadron 7 as Commander Task Unit 80.10.3 composed of Mine Divisions 16 and 21, ten YMSs (Auxiliary Motor Minesweepers), three SCs (Submarine chasers), and twelve LCVPs, operated in the Marseille, France, area carrying out the tasks of harbor clearance and clearance of Port St. Louis, and canal, and other channels and areas.
In October 1944, having completed all clearance commitments at Marseille during September, COMINRON SEVEN continued daily maintenance sweeps of approach channels and anchorage areas.
In November 1944 Commander Mine Squadron 7 operated under Commander 8th Fleet with Mine Division 21 remaining at Bizerte, Tunisia, for maintenance and training while the squadron commander (temporarily aboard Chickadee (AM-59)) supervised sweeping operations in the Cannes, Golfe-Juan area, and another group assisted ships of Mine Division 32 in sweeping the Tunisian war channel. At this time COMINRON SEVEN was assigned the additional duty of Commander Escort Sweeper Group, Eighth Amphibious Force.
During December 1944 Mine Squadron 7 was operating on several commitments under commander 8th Fleet. One group of ships of Mine Division 21 were undergoing repairs and maintenance, while the others were sweeping in areas off southern France and Magdalena. Ships of Mine Division 18, composing the other divisions of MinRon 7, were operating at Bizerte undergoing repairs for return to the United States, departing the latter part of the month. While at Bizerte during the period 24 November to 24 December 1944, COMINRON SEVEN served in the additional capacity of Commander Escort Sweeper Group, 8th Fleet, and had charge of all U.S. naval sweeping units of the Mediterranean theatre.
During January 1945 COMINRON SEVEN was engaged in supervising and coordinating sweeping operations and furnishing supplies to all minesweeping units operating under Amphibious Force, 8th Fleet. These units were composed of ships of Mine Divisions 21 and 32, and YMSs.
During February 1945 COMINRON SEVEN was engaged in supervising and coordinating all sweeping operations and distribution of supplies, mail and personnel to all minesweeping units operating under Commander Amphibious Force, 8th Fleet.
Read more about this topic: Commander Mine Squadron SEVEN
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