U. S. S. LEADER (MSO 490) History
(As of Nov. 16, 1959)

USS LEADER was constructed by the J. M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corporation at Tacoma, Washington. Her keel was laid on 22 September, 1953 and was launched as AM-490 on 15 September, 1954. Mrs. Norman Nordlund of Tacoma, Washington was the sponsor. Commissioning ceremonies were conducted at the U. S. Naval Station, Tacoma, Washington, on 16 November, 1955 with LCDR Harvey E. Toponce, USN as her first Commanding Officer.

On 16 November, 1955 LEADER joined the U. S. Pacific Fleet. Upon reporting to Commander Mine Force, she was assigned to Mine Squadron 9 and Mine division 96. LEADER became flagship of Mine division 96 on 27 December, 1955. Shortly thereafter, in January, 1956, LEADER was transferred to Mine Division 95 and became flagship of the Division.

After an extensive shakedown period between January and April 1956, the period from May through August 1956 was spent in the Long Beach Naval Shipyard undergoing post shakedown overhaul and making preparations for LEADER's first deployment to the Western Pacific.

On 1 October, 1956 LEADER departed Long Beach for an extended cruise, not to return to Long Beach until 12 April, 1957. While away from her home port, she visited such ports as: Pearl Harbor, T. H. (Territory of Hawaii), Midway Island, Yokosuka, and Sasebo in Japan; Keelung and Kaoshiung in Formosa; and Hong Kong, British Crown Colony. During this cruise Mine Division 95 was redesignated Mine division 93 on 1 January, 1957.

Lieutenat John C. Vasse, USN, relieved as Commanding Officer on 22 April, 1957 and became LEADER's second "skipper". From 12 April, 1957 until 2 April, 1959, LEADER operated out of her home port in routine operations and participated in many minesweeping exercises. She completed two annual overhauls, two refresher training periods in San Diego, conducted competetive and recurring exercises and held two dependents' cruises which were highlights during this period. LEADER spent the July 4th holiday (1958) in Monterey, California, participating in the Commodore Sloat celebration.

On 2 April, 1959, LEADER once again departed Long Beach for her SECOND extended cruise to the Western Pacific. She visited such ports as: Pearl Harbor, T. H., Midway Island; Yokosuka, Nagoya, Sasebo, Kagoshima in Japan; Keelung and Kaoshiung in Formosa; and Hong Kong, BCC. During this cruise, LEADER participated in Joint Minesweeping Exercises with units of the Chinese Nationalist Navy, Republic of Korea Navy and Japanese Maritime Self Defense Forces.

On 15 September, 1959, LCDR Donald F. Milligan, USN relieved LCDR John C. Vasse, USN and became LEADER's third Commanding Officer. LEADER departed Yokosuka, Japan on 21 September, 1959 and arrived in Long Beach on 16 October, 1959 completing a successful cruise.

USS LEADER's overall length is 172 feet, extreme beam 36 feet; mean draft 10 feet; speed 15 knots and displacement is 620 tons.