USS Peoria (PF-67)

The third Peoria (PF-67), originally ordered as a gunboat (PG-175) but redesignated a frigate in April 1943, was laid down by the Leathem D. Smith Shipbuilding Co., Sturgeon Bay, Wise. 25 May 1943; launched 2 October 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Agnes Reynolds; and commissioned at Houston, Tex. 2 January 1945, Comdr. George R. Leslie, USCG, in command.

Peoria got underway 12 January 1945 for shakedown off Bermuda, returning to Norfolk before sailing 4 March with a convoy for Gibraltar. She then proceeded to Mers-el-Kebir, Algeria, 19 March. On the 27th she joined a returning convoy from Oran, escorting it to the United States. After a brief period at New York, Peoria steamed to Casco Bay, Me. for antisubmarine training. This completed, she departed Casco Bay 7 May for New London, Conn. As Peoria arrived at New London the following day, 8 May 1945, the war in Europe came to an end. For the next two weeks, the frigate assisted in training submaine crews at New London.

Peoria departed New London 21 May for Charleston, S.C., where she was fitted out for Atlantic weather patrol duty. On 21 June she began a year of weather station work, alternating periods on station in the North Atlantic with visits to ports from Bermuda to Iceland.

Peoria decommissioned 15 May 1946. Her name was struck from the Navy List 19 June 1946, and she was turned over to the Foreign Liquidation Commission of the State Department. On 16 June 1947 the former Peoria was transferred to the Cuban Navy, where she still serves as Antonio Maceo (F-302).

From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Peoria III (PF-67)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.