Champion IV (MCM-4)
1991–
Historic ship name; this is the fourth ship to bear this name. The first was a small, three-masted Mediterranean-type vessel known as a xebec (1777) that saw service during the Revolutionary War. The second was an armed river steamer (1863-65) during the Civil War. The third (AM-314), a minesweeper (1943-1972), earned three battle stars for service in World War II.
IV
(MCM-4: displacement 1,287 (light), 1,400 (full); length 224'; beam 39'; draft 13'; speed 13.5 knots; complement 84; armament 2 M2HB .50 caliber machine guns; 2 M60, 7.62 millimeter machine guns and 2 Mk19 grenade launchers; class Avenger)
Champion (MCM-4) was laid down on 28 June 1984 at by the Marinette Marine Corp, Marinette, Wisc., by Peterson Builders; launched on 15 April 1989; sponsored by Mrs. Tina Karalekis, wife of S. Stephen Karalekis; and commissioned on 8 February 1991, Comdr. Stanley V. DeGeus in command.
Shield
Dark blue and white are emblematic of the U.S. Navy and the integrity and resolve of the three previous vessels which bore the name Champion. The pine tree reflects the continental service of the first Champion during the Revolutionary War and the resistance of the thirteen states against England. The pine appeared during that time as a symbol on early American flags. The bouget, or water-carrier, refers the water transport service of the second Champion patrolling the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Red Rivers between 1863 and 1865. The third Champion participated in World War II in the Pacific and is commemorated by the firebomb, referring to the kamikaze attack, which damaged her. The components of the chevron represent each of the previous Champions and together symbolize the act of raising or retrieving floating weapons, or munitions, the mission of the new ship as mine countermeasures. Red, white, and blue also recall the markings of the British flag of the revolutionary war period and the flag of the emerging American Union.
Crest
The upraised gauntlet grasping the dagger epitomized the ideals and capabilities of USS Champion. The wreath of laurel, a traditional emblem of achievement and honor, together with the gauntlet and dagger captures the spirit of the ship's designation and commemorates the previous ships' proud heritage and service. The stars indicate the battle honors of the three previous Champions.
Motto
"We accept the Challenge."
On 17 October 2002, Champion departed with Pioneer (MCM-9) for a six-month deployment to the Eastern Pacific. The ships operated primarily out of Naval Station San Diego and supported Commander, Third Fleet operations and exercises. On 4 December 2002, Champion made a port visit to Puerta Vallarta, Mexico.
Detailed history pending.
Christopher B. Havern Sr.
9 November 2015