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The second Dash (AM-428) was launched 20 September 1952 by Astoria Marine Construction
Co., Astoria, Oreg.; sponsored by Mrs. D. McKay; and commissioned 14 August 1953, Lieutenant Commander R. Giamotti in command.
She was reclassified MSO-428, 7 February 1955.
Sailing from San Diego 12 June 1954 Dash arrived at Charleston, S.C., 6 July.
She sailed out of Charleston on local duty and for refresher training at Key West, until 4 January 1956 when she got underway
with her division for a tour of duty in the Mediterranean with the 6th Fleet. She returned to Charleston 11 June.
Dash served in the Mediterranean again between 1 May and 2 October 1957 and between
27 April and 27August 1959. Through 1962, she operated along the east coast and in the Caribbean in amphibious and mine warfare
exercises.
My initial experience with MSOs was when I assumed command of MINDIV 43 (DASH, DETECTOR,
DIRECT and DOMINANT, with hull numbers 428,429,430 and 431), on 12 April 1962.
Peter McCormick became my Operations Officer
subsequent to his duties in DASH's ship's company. He was of invaluable assistance as my sole Staff Officer during our workup
and six month deployment with the SIXTH Fleet. USS Chewaucan (AOG-50) was our refueling source and escort for the Atlantic
crossing. The real foul weather and rough seas we experienced in the Atlantic weren't left behind when we sailed into the
Med.
Crossing the Atlantic we conducted all sorts of MINELANT required exercises and inspections, Peter and I boarding
one ship after the other (including highline transfer).
My ship Commanding Officers had to learn real fast how to MedMoor
(drop anchor and "back in" to secure the stern and therefore the gangplank).
I am proud to say that each ship's company
were dedicated professionals, both ashore on liberty and when underway. We met ALL of COMSIXTH Fleet's demanding assignments
and were proud to show the American Flag in numerous ports.
Bud Boule'
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