USS Black Hawk (MHC 58)

- decommissioned -

USS BLACK HAWK was the eighth OSPREY - class coastal mine hunter and on January 1, 1997, the ship was transfered to the Naval Reserve Force. The Navy's coastal mine hunters are named after birds but in the case of USS BLACK HAWK the Navy appearently did not realize that the name "BLACK HAWK" is not a bird but the name of an Indian tribe. Decommissioned on December 1, 2007, the BLACK HAWK is presently laid-up at Beaumont, Tx., and is scheduled to be transfered to the Turkish Navy.

General Characteristics:	Awarded: April 22, 1992
	Keel laid: September 3, 1992
	Launched: August 27, 1994
	Commissioned: May 11, 1996
	Decommissioned: December 1, 2007
	Builder: Intermarine USA, Savannah, GA
	Propulsion System: two diesels (800 hp each)
	Propellers: two
	Length: 188 feet (57.3 meters)
	Beam: 36 feet (11 meters)
	Draft: 9,5 feet (2.9 meters)
	Displacement: 895 tons
	Speed: 12 knots
	Armament: Mine neutralization system, two .50 caliber machine guns
	Crew: 5 Officers, 46 Enlisted

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Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS BLACK HAWK. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.

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Click here to see which USS BLACK HAWK memorabilia are currently for sale on ebay.

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About the Ship's Coat of Arms:

The Shield:

Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally used by the Navy to reflect the sea and excellence. Black is indicative of strength and stability. Blue denotes loyalty and devotion. White is emblematic of integrity and is symbolic of sea foam and breakers. The two mines recall the two previous ships of the same name and underscore the BLACK HAWK's mine hunting capabilities. The stylized paddlewheel is reminiscent of the First BLACK HAWK (a sidewheel steamer which served as flag ship for Rear Admiral D.D. Porter and S.P. Lee, successive commander of the Mississippi Squadron). The paddle wheel further simulates a maritime compass suggesting leadership, guidance and alludes to navigation and the far reaching scope and mission of the past and present USS BLACK HAWK. The annulets incorporated into the paddle wheel suggest continual efforts. The paddle wheel, together with the two mines, symbolize the three ships bearing the name BLACK HAWK.

The Crest:

The waves of the sea denote the coastal waters, harbors, waterways and Navy theater of operations. The stylized black hawk reflects the continuous aggressiveness of the BLACK HAWK and its crew in carrying out their mission of minehunting, fueling, repairing and keeping combatant vessels in fighting trim. The name BLACK HAWK was derived from Indian Chief Black Hawk mentioned in history as the leader of the Sac & Fox tribes during the Black Hawk war. The star on the hawk's wing is commemorative of the battle star received by the Second BLACK HAWK for her service in World War II.

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USS BLACK HAWK Image Gallery:

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