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MHC 59 Falcon

The mission of USS Falcon (MHC 59) is to conduct mine countermeasures operations in both the littoral and high seas and execute other tasks in support of operational commanders.

The ship is also tasked with being ready to meet taskings on short notice, which is achieved by maintaining combat readiness through highly trained personnel and well maintained equipment.

USS Falcon (MHC 59) was commissioned on 08 February, 1997 during a ceremony held at Port Arthur, Texas.

Falcon was the ninth ship of the Osprey Class authorized by Congress.

Previous Namesakes

The first Falcon was a gunboat captured from the Mexican Navy on 14 November 1846 at Tampico, and commanded in the U.S. Navy by Lieutenant J.J. Glasson. Falcon operated throughout the remainder of the Mexican War as part of Commodore M. C. Perry's Home Squadron in the Gulf of Mexico. She was decommissioned shortly after arrival in New York on 4 September 1848, and sold 18 October 1848.

The second Falcon was a non-commissioned motor launch that served with the thirteenth Naval District during World War I.

The third Falcon was launched by Gas Engine and Power Co. and C.L. Seabury Co., both of New York, and was commissioned 12 November 1918 as AM-28. She was reclassified as ASR-2 on 22 January 1936. She towed targets and other vessels prior to becoming employed in salvage duty. She served as a mine clearance vessel in the North Sea, observed depth trials for submarines, and was used as a training platform for rescue workers and divers. During World War II, Falcon continued salvage, towing, and experimental operations and frequently served as the flagship for Commander, Submarine Force, Atlantic Fleet. After World War II, Falcon was decommissioned in Boston 18 June 1946, and sold 12 March 1947.

The fourth Falcon to serve the United States was launched by the Quincy Adams Yacht Yard Inc., and commissioned 24 November 1954 as AMS-190. She was homeported in Charleston, SC and Little Creek, VA for minesweeping exercises, amphibious operations, and mine warfare development activities. Reclassified as MSC-190 in February 1955, Falcon served in the Atlantic Fleet until being decommissioned in 1969. Two years later she was transferred to the Thai Navy.