(AM-106: dp. 1,250 (f.); l. 221-2-; b. 32-; dr. 10-; s. 18 k.; cpl. 105; a. 1 3-, 2 40mm., 2 dct., 5 dcp.; cl. Auk)
Something that foreshadows a coming event.
Portent (AM-106), a minesweeper, was laid down 15 November 1941 by the Pennsylvania Shipyard, Inc., Beaumont, Texas; launched 16 August 1942; sponsored by Mrs. Arthur L. Kline, Jr.; and commissioned 3 April 1943, Lt. Howard C. Plummer in command.
Portent sailed via Algiers, La., and Key West, Fla., to New York City to join a convoy to Casablanca and various North African ports 14 May 1943. From May to November she escorted convoys between New York City and Casablanca, Morocco. Assigned to a convoy entering the Mediterranean, she anchored outside Oran, Algeria, 22 November.
Deployed to Italy, she arrived at Naples 19 December. Assigned to the invasion of Anzio, Italy, Portent struck a mine while patroling near the Italian coast, and sank 22 January 1944. Nearby ships rescued survivors.
Portent received one battle star for World War II service.