The U.S.S. FIRM was commanded by LCDR John B. BONDS, USN, throughout 1971 and until FIRM’s decommissioning and transfer to the Philippine Navy on July 5, 1972.

FIRM operated as flagship of Mine Division 91 until 1 July 1971. Mine Division 91 consisted of U.S.S. LOYALTY (MSO 457), U.S.S. ENERGY (MSO 436), U..S.S. CONSTANT (MSO 427) and U.S.S. FIRM (MSO 444). On 1 July FIRM became flagship of the newly formed Mine Division 33, consisting of the former Mine Division 91 plus U.S.S. IMPLICIT (MSO 455) and U.S.S. ENDURANCE (MSO 435).

On January 1, 1971, FIRM was just beginning Market Time Patrol off Viet Nam as an outer barrier patrol ship. FIRM remained on patrol until January 26, at which time FIRM was relieved by U.S.S. LOYALTY. FIRM’s first patrol went easily with exception of very heavy weather. On January 6, FIRM and CONSTANT participated in a special operation in which a sonar search was conducted for reportedly sunk PCFs (SWIFT boats). No PCFs were found, so both FIRM and CONSTANT resumed their patrol. On January 12 FIRM minehunted in a live minefield of f the Cua Viet River entrance. Minehunting was complicated by an excessive number of metallic contacts in the area.

On January 26 FIRM departed for Subic Bay, arriving on January 30 to commence restricted availability until February 16.

On February 16 FIRM departed Subic Bay for an enjoyable visit to Hong Kong, arriving on February 17. The ship departed Hong Kong on February 23 bound for Cam Ranh Bay via fuel stop at Kaoshiung.

FIRM arrived in Cam Ranh Bay on February 23 and relieved USS LOYALTY of Market Time operations duty, remaining on patrol until April 9, with occasional stops at Cam Ranh Bay for provisions and fuel.

On April 9 FIRM was relieved of Market Time duties by LOYALTY and departed for a visit to Singapore in company with CONSTANT. The ship crossed the equator with proper honors on April 10 and arrived in Singapore on April 13. FIRM enjoyed five days in Singapore and departed for Subic Bay on April 19.

FIRM arrived in Subic Bay on April 23, having steamed 1290 nautical miles at an average speed on 12.7 knots. The ship made final preparations for the trip home in Subic Bay and departed for Guam in formation with the other ships of Mine Division NINE ONE on May 10. The division arrived in Guam on May 17 and depart­ed May 20 for Pearl Harbor via fuel stops at Kwajelein Atoll and Johnson Island. The ships arrived in Pearl Harbor on June 4 and departed on June 5 enroute for Long Beach. FIRM and her division mates were welcomed home in Long Beach on June 15. This marked the end of FIRM’s fifth deployment to the Western Pacific in seven years.

For the remainder of the summer months, FIRM remained in upkeep status, except for two weeks of Independent Ship Exercises in July and Type Training in August. During this latter period the ship visited San Francisco for two days on 20-21 August.

On September 8, FIRM was underway for Readiness Operational Evaluation in San Diego. The ship returned to Long Beach on September 16 for a short upkeep period, departing September 24 for UPTIDE 3-71, in which she participated in anti-submarine warfare exercises with ASWGRU THREE. FIRM returned again to Long Beach on October 8 and remained inport until October 14.

FIRM underwent Interim Refresher Training at San Diego from October 15 until November 4. During this period the ship was graded in all areas of combat readiness with the exception of mine countermeasures. FIRM received an overall grade of 82 with an excellent assigned in gunnery.

On November 29, the ship departed for Type Training with Mine Division 33, the new name for what had been Mine Division 91, returning on December 2. For the remainder of calendar year 1971, FIRM was in a holiday leave and upkeep status.

FIRM received the Golden Anchor Award for fiscal year 1971 for the highest personnel retention in the U.S. Mine Force. The honor was presented to the ship by the Type Commander, RADM James D. DARE, USN.