From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

A weapon with a long shaft and a sharp steel head.

(AM-257: dp. 625; 1. 184'6"; b. 33'; dr. 9'9"; s. 14.8 k.; cpl. 104; a. 1 3", 2 40mm., 6 20mm., 3 dcp., 2 dct.; cl. Admirable)

Lance (AM-257) was as laid down 26 October 1942 by American Shipbuilding Co., Cleveland, Ohio; launched 10 April 1943; sponsored by Ens. Josephine D. Conningham, W-V (S) USNR; commissioned 4 November 1943, Lt. R. R. Forrester, Jr., in command.

After shakedown along the east coast, Lance arrived Trinidad, British West Indies 17 January 1944 for patrol and escort duty. From January 1944 until March 1945, Lance operated as an escort for convoys, making nine regular runs from Recife, Brazil, to Trinidad. The minesweeper also engaged in ASW training with aircraft operations designed to improve the defensive capability of the Navy.

Lance departed Trinidad 23 March, and steamed toward Miami, arriving the 28th. She operated as a school ship, out of the Naval Training Center, Miami until she was transferred to China, under the Lend-Lease Act 28 August. She serves the Chinese Navy under the name Yung Sheng.