USS Manitowoc (PF-61)

The first Manitowoc (PF‑61), originally designated PG‑169, was reclassified PF‑61 on 15 April 1943; laid down under Maritime Commission contract by Globe Shipbuilding Co., Superior, Wis., 26 August 1943; launched 30 November 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Martin Georgenson; delivered to the Maritime Commission 27 September 1944; ferried to New Orleans, La., via the Sault Sainte Marie Canal and the Mississippi River; and acquired by the Navy and placed in service 24 October 1944.

Between 29 October and 5 November Manitowoc steamed to Boston where she was placed out of service 8 November and converted by the Boston Navy Yard for use as a weather patrol ship. Manitowoc commissioned at Boston 5 December 1944, Lt. Comdr. J. A. Martin, USCG, in command. During late December and early January 1945, she underwent shakedown off Bermuda. After returning to Boston 20 January 1945, she joined Escort Division 34 for duty as a weather station ship in the North Atlantic.

Departing Boston 2 February, Manitowoc reached Argentia, Newfoundland, 5 February; the following day she sailed on her first weather patrol. Equipped with special radio transmitters and specialized meteorological equipment, she relieved Woonsocket (PF‑32) 8 February and began patrolling her assigned station. During the next 2 weeks she transmitted valuable weather data used to compile weather forecasts for both the North Atlantic and Western Europe in the closing weeks of the Allied defeat of Nazi Germany. Relieved on station 24 February, she returned to Argentia the 26th.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Manitowoc I (PF-61)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.